Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Edinburgh SFF

Reactor Magazine @reactorsff.bsky.social · 14d

We are delighted to reveal the cover for First Mage on The Moon by @cameronjohnston.bsky.social!

Ella is on a mission to reach the moon–even if that incurs a little blasphemy (and Unity interference). Look for it April 14, 2026 from @angryrobotbooks.bsky.social!

reactormag.com/cover-reveal...

Revealing First Mage on the Moon by Cameron Johnston - Reactor

Cameron Johnston, author of The Maleficent Seven, returns with an innovative space fantasy, where wizards race to be the first on the moon—also known as the land of the gods. We’re thrilled to share t...

reactormag.com

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Reposted by Edinburgh SFF

The Fantasy Hive @thefantasyhive.bsky.social · 17d

Vinay reviews Nicholas Binge's time travelling police procedural EXTREMITY, out now from Tor:

"searingly unputdownable and is easily in the running for best novella of the year"

Read more: tinyurl.com/325v3hzp

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David Goodman @davegoodman.bsky.social · 17d

Funny story - this novella is actually how Nick and I met. He asked if anyone in @edinburghsff.com knew anything about 'gun stuff' because he had several scenes that included weapons. I've got a bit of weapons handling experience from my time in the OTC and know how to research these things, so...

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Edinburgh SFF @edinburghsff.com · 21d

Heads up! Rather exciting writing retreat for our friends at @cymerafestival.co.uk

www.cymerafestival.co.uk/writing-retr...

Writing Retreat — CYMERA

www.cymerafestival.co.uk

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CL Woke Cannibal Erotica Hellisen @clhellisen.bsky.social · 21d

Yay!

The Shape of Monsters has been shortlisted for a Speakie (audio book award) 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Definitely helps that voice actor Omari Douglas is fantastic

www.thebookseller.com/british-audi...

Best Audiobook: Young Adult Books Shortlist | The British Audio Awards

The shortlist for the Best Audiobook: Young Adult Books category at The British Audio Awards - aka The Speakies - organised by The Bookseller and The Stage

www.thebookseller.com

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Edinburgh SFF @edinburghsff.com · 24d

What a weekend! We’re over the moon for the winning ESFF writers at @bloodyscotland.bsky.social -

@davegoodman.bsky.social, Debut Prize for A Reluctant Spy, @tariqashkanani.bsky.social the McIlvanney Prize for The Midnight King, & @marcorinaldi.bsky.social winning Pitch Perfect for Dark Waters

🎉

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David Goodman @davegoodman.bsky.social · Aug 20

I'm lucky enough to be one of Nick's crit partners so I read this *as it was gushing out* and let me tell you I am yet to fully recover. If you're a fan of existential horror, you want to get this on your TBR, stat.

Nicholas Binge @bingewriting.bsky.social · Aug 20

This time last year I sat down with some pretty dark thoughts and a full novella gushed out of me in one giant bleed.

Anyway, it's coming out via Tor Nightfire on May 12.

You into infinite corridors, ancient hunger, isolation, cannibalism, self-loathing, etc.? Join me in the darkness next May.

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CL Woke Cannibal Erotica Hellisen @clhellisen.bsky.social · Aug 21

This looks like fab event - if you're in Edinburgh, head to Toppings Sept 26 and listen to @annabelcwrites.bsky.social, @gen-dimova.bsky.social and V. L. Bovalino chat about writing epic fantasy with female leads:

www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/edinb...

Women with Warrior Hearts: Female-Led Fantasy Panel with V.L. Bovalino, Annabel Campbell, and Genoveva Dimova at Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh

www.toppingbooks.co.uk

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Edinburgh SFF @edinburghsff.com · Aug 20

From his book launch event last night the wonderful @justinleeanderson.com deftly avoids any spoilers…

Justin Lee Anderson (left) on stage with host, Andrew, of Toppings & Company booksellers.

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Edinburgh SFF @edinburghsff.com · Aug 20

What’s not to love 🖤

Nicholas Binge @bingewriting.bsky.social · Aug 20

This time last year I sat down with some pretty dark thoughts and a full novella gushed out of me in one giant bleed.

Anyway, it's coming out via Tor Nightfire on May 12.

You into infinite corridors, ancient hunger, isolation, cannibalism, self-loathing, etc.? Join me in the darkness next May.

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Reposted by Edinburgh SFF

RJ Barker @rjbarker.bsky.social · Aug 19

You have NO IDEA how hard it has been keeping quiet about this. So friends, AT LAST, THE NEXT BOOK IS ANNOUNCED!

(I'm usually a bit nervy about new stuff but feel like this one is A BANGER.)

reactormag.com/book-announc...

Announcing Mortedant's Peril by RJ Barker - Reactor

Murder, mystery, and magic arrives May 2026 from Tor Books!

reactormag.com

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Runalong Womble @runalongwomble.bsky.social · Aug 20

New Author Interview - today on the blog we welcome @clhellisen.bsky.social to talk about their new audiobook The Shape of Monsters www.runalongtheshelves.net/interviews/2...

Interviewing CL Hellisen — Runalong The Shelves

Hellooo!! CL Hellisen has been on my radar since I read their very good fantasy novel Cast Long Shadows and now they’ve started a new project which is an audiobook. The Shape of Monsters is out no...

www.runalongtheshelves.net

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Edinburgh SFF @edinburghsff.com · Aug 19

Wooo! Another ESFFer with brilliant news! Congrats, Fi!

Fiona Leslie @bibliofi.bsky.social · Aug 19

I am excited to announce that I am now represented by Judith Murray of @greeneandheaton.bsky.social

I am hard at work getting my manuscript ready for submission for editors. Hopefully we will have more good news in the near future!

Exciting times ahead!

greeneheaton.co.uk/clients/fion...

Fiona Leslie

Fiona Leslie is a sci-fi and fantasy author and self-professed board-game geek. She holds a PhD in evolutionary biology from the University of Aberdeen. A proud Glaswegian, she now lives in Edinburgh ...

greeneheaton.co.uk

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Reposted by Edinburgh SFF

David Goodman @davegoodman.bsky.social · Jul 22

I'm absolutely delighted to announce that my next book, SOLITARY AGENTS, will be coming out next June!

It's fantastic to be working with Toby Jones and @headlinebooks.bsky.social on another Legends novel. Pre-order links and cover reveal to follow very soon.

The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · Jul 22

Headline is set to publish 2025 McDermid Debut Award winner David Goodman's second espionage thriller 👇 #BookSky

Headline to publish David Goodman's second espionage thriller

ebx.sh

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Association for Scottish Literature @asls.org.uk · Jul 18

WRITERS!
New Writing Scotland seeks a new co-editor for English- & Scots-language work. Applicants should be currently based in Scotland & have a strong publishing record, with a focus on prose. Post is up to 3 years: stipend £1500 per issue.
#writers #writing
Pls RT 👇
asls.org.uk/new-writing-...

NEW WRITING SCOTLAND

ASL is seeking applications to be a co-editor of New Writing Scotland, from writers currently based in Scotland. Applicants should have a strong publishing record of their own, with a focus on prose; previous editorial experience would be an advantage. The post will run for up to three years from 2026, for volumes 44, 45, and 46, publishing in 2026, 2027, and 2028 (dependent on funding).

Our editors jointly select approximately 50 pieces – poetry and prose – from the English- and Scots-language submissions we receive each year. The submissions are anonymised, and we provide editors with paper copies to read. As an editor, we’d ask you to attend launches in Edinburgh and Glasgow (travelling expenses would be paid). Editors receive an annual £1500 stipend and full editorial credit.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and particularly welcome applications from people who are under-represented within the sector, including from BPOC applicants (Black people and People of Colour), disabled people, LGBTQIA+ applicants and those from a low socioeconomic background.

Please send a CV and a one-page application letter, outlining your qualifications for the position, to admin@asls.org.uk by midnight on Monday 4 August 2025.

Submission to New Writing Scotland is free and open to all. You can find our submission instructions here.

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Reposted by Edinburgh SFF

Small Press Day @smallpressday.bsky.social · Jul 16

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿SCOTLAND🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

🖍️ Forbidden Planet Edinburgh is celebrating #SmallPressDay at The Counting House!

Join for a FREE indie comics market with local artists, unique books, prints, stickers & kids’ drawing tables 🎨🗯️
📍 10am–5pm, 34 West Nicolson St, EH8 9DD

More info: www.instagram.com/forbiddenpla...

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Reposted by Edinburgh SFF

Bloody Scotland @bloodyscotland.bsky.social · Jul 18

Congratulations to @davegoodman.bsky.social‬ who took home the McDermid Debut Prize at last night's #theakstonsawards You can hear him talk about A Reluctant Spy in Stirling in September: bloodyscotland.com/event/spies-...

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Edinburgh SFF @edinburghsff.com · Jul 18

We’re so, so chuffed for Dave on this win! He’s part of the ESFF mod team and staff, and now we get to call him “award-winning author David Goodman” — how cool is that? Massive congrats from everyone at ESFF!

#writingcommunity #edinburgh

David Goodman @davegoodman.bsky.social · Jul 17

The face of a gobsmacked debut writer. Still absolutely reeling. More soon!

Me, looking slightly dazed, holding the McDermid Debut Award cask.

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CL Woke Cannibal Erotica Hellisen @clhellisen.bsky.social · Jul 9

Are you a writer overwhelmed by what you need to do to get a website up and running?

Then this is the webinar you need.

Bibliotta Webinars @bibliotta.bsky.social · Jul 8

This Saturday, 12th of July, we've got our Your Writer Website webinar. Just look at that agenda!

Check the details here: bibliotta.com/events/your-...

A screenshot of a banner from bibliotta.com. Text reads: "Your Writer Website pts 1&2 combo – Sat, 12th July" at the top and at bottom "Combo ticket: “Part 1 – The technical side”, and “Part 2 -The creative side”
Combination event – get the two webinars, on the same day, for a saving of 20 to 25%."
Image is of a laptop, clipboard, coffee cup, mobile phone, mouse, and pencil in graphic design illustration style. Text on it reads "Your Writer Website" and "Parts 1 & 2 Combination" It is diagonally split between a green grey and a salmon pink colour scheme.

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Edinburgh SFF @edinburghsff.com · Jul 8

The excellent Ben Aaronovitch holds court in Edinburgh tonight — a fun Q&A/AMA (with massive thanks to Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh)

@benaaronovitch.bsky.social

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Gus Harris-Reid (EngineMasters trilogy out now!) @gusharrisreid.bsky.social · Jul 5

Had a very productive day of writing with my @edinburghsff.com friends - I finished a scene, started a new scene, and crossed the 100K mark in my WIP! 🥳✍🏻📈

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Reposted by Edinburgh SFF

CL Woke Cannibal Erotica Hellisen @clhellisen.bsky.social · Jul 3

So yeah it's Monsters day!

Inject direct into your ear holes at www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0FGDJ5X1M

A trope novel graphic, with the cover of The Shape of Monsters by CL Hellisen in the centre.

Around it are the phrases family secrets, the slowest slowburn in existence, divination & sacrifice, betrayal & revenge, dead things that don't stay dead, totally normal relationships yessir, decaying gothic mansions, magic & darkness, sibling rivalry, and terrible bargains.

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Reposted by Edinburgh SFF

Nadine Matheson @nadinematheson.com · Jun 23

Exciting news! I’ve joined forces with the team behind @ukpageone.bsky.social to form @stetpodcasts.bsky.social 🎙️ Stet Podcast is your new home for all our shows. Plus, we’ve launched a brand new podcast: Adventures in Publishing! First episode out now 🎙️📚 #Publishing #NewPodcast #StepPodcast

STET Podcasts @stetpodcasts.bsky.social · Jun 23

A busy launch week, including the launch of our new podcast, Adventures in Publishing-Land, featuring the hosts of @ukpageone.bsky.social and @theconversation.bsky.social! First episode out later today... Stay tuned!

Schedule for STET podcasts this week:
- Adventures in Publishing-Land: An Inside Look at the Latest Publishing News: Unbound|SocialMedia|Estates and Copyright - Monday 23 June
- The Conversation: Ep. 135 - Chris Bridges: Writing What You Know and Second Acts - Tuesday 24 June
- Page One Extra: 5 Books that influenced DV Bishop for Carnival of Lies - Wednesday 25 June
- Coffee Break: with Beth Lewis, Author of The Rush - Thursday 26 June
- Page One - The Writer's Podcast: Ep. 230 - Beth Lewis on Bringing History To Life - Friday 27 June

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Edinburgh SFF @edinburghsff.com · Jun 23

We’re upset & angry that our friends at Argonaut were robbed. Indie bookshops are an essential part of our community & this hurts.

Stealing a charity collection is particularly low. As champions of the written word SBT has supported ESFF writers in countless ways

Support your local indie bookshop!

Argonaut Books @argonautbooks.bsky.social · Jun 22

We were robbed last night. When it’s our stock or our money that is targeted, there’s insurance and systems in place for this, but when it’s stealing from a charity in an extremely direct way then we just can’t abide it.

scottishbooktrust.com/donate

@scottishbooktrust.bsky.social

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Edinburgh SFF @edinburghsff.com · Jun 21

It’s a bit too on the nose for sure…

CL Woke Cannibal Erotica Hellisen @clhellisen.bsky.social · Jun 21

Snagged from the @edinburghsff.com discord because it is too damn real

Meme of James Caster on GBBO, first image is close up of him, labelled writer, looking down saying 'Started writing', second image is the same but 'Had a breakdown'.

Final large image below them is James standing behind a table in front of the GBBO judges, and saying 'Bon appetit.' His baking has been replaced by a bunch of scattered papers, and the judges are labelled copy editor, lune editor, and dev editor.

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