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I only like them if they're boiled a certain way--these were nice and tender, not mealy like a lot I've had. My grandmother made the best boiled peanuts.

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 1d

It's fall break, which means I theoretically have time for updates! Expect a newsletter here soon, plus a teaser of the audio from the audiobook for Sunchaser. It's sounding so good!

For now, here are some boiled peanuts. If you've never had them, they're fantastic.

A white bowl containing a handful of boiled peanuts. They haven't been shelled and eaten yet (but will be soon).

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Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 4d

Saturday mode: martial arts edition

A pair of women's legs in faded black pants with the ties of a black belt visible. The right side of the belt says Tiger Rock and the left says E. Barlow. She is also wearing black mat socks with red accents and red grips on the bottom.

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 6d

I'll share a bit more from my trip as the week goes by, but I wanted to put that out there today since it especially resonated with my group. If it helps, pass it on to someone else! Who knows? You might just be the catalyst for them to do something amazing.

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 6d

What other people think of you is none of your business. Bad reviews that attack you personally? None of your business. Unconstructive feedback? Also none of your business. You know who you are and what your writing is to you. Let that guide what feedback you take--and what you let go.

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Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 6d

Don't be afraid to take up space. Yes, there are millions of other people publishing books right now, but none of them are YOU. You have things to offer that they don't, so don't let fear keep you from sharing them.

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Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 6d

I had the privilege of attending a conference this week in San Diego with a focus on women in leadership and building our skillets to succeed. Much of it was business-centric, but there were themes that apply to writing and publishing, as well. So in case you need to hear any of these things today:

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Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 8d

I'm completely blown away! It doesn't even matter if I win. This right here is why I write. Thank you so much to @kiraofthewind.com ! And do go check out her work, as well!

Grimoire Ink Reviews @grimoireinkreviews.bsky.social · 9d

@kiraofthewind.com kicks off today's #SFINC3 reviews with Sunchaser by @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social
grimoireinkreviews.wordpress.com/2025/09/30/s...

Sunchaser by Emily Barlow

Reviewed by Kira of the Wind ★★★★⯪ You ever feel like a book was written specifically for you? Like it has all the niche little elements that you thought nobody liked except for you? And you felt a…

grimoireinkreviews.wordpress.com

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Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 10d

I'm not saying I'm short, but...

A woman's legs, crossed at the ankles, sticking off the edge of the bench on which she's sitting. It's entirely too deep for someone her height.

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 11d

Cool centipede I found earlier. Hand for scale.

A hand sitting next to a centipede that's about two inches long, with blueish antennae, a brown body, and tan legs that look translucent.

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 13d

Sunchaser is in the mix for this! Keep your fingers crossed it makes it through the first round--there are some great titles in here!

The Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship @thesfincs.bsky.social · Sep 6

And it's time!!! Novella submissions are open!
#writers
#booksky💙📚🪐

www.sfincscompetition.com

The Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship | SFINCS

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.

www.sfincscompetition.com

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Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 13d

NO WAY!! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it. ❤️ And good luck with the rankings--you've got a hard job, no mistake!

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Reposted by Emily Barlow, Author

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 13d

I'm excited to be a judge for #SFINCS3! For those who don't know, #SFINCS is the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (the 's' at the end is just to make it sounds like 'sphinx' lol). It's like SPFBO, but specifically for novellas!

Here are the books I'm reading for Team Grimoire Ink:

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Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 13d

Aaaaahhhhhh, so exciting!! Enjoy!

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Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 14d

YOU GUYS. I just listened to the first 30 minutes of the Sunchaser audiobook recording, and IT'S SO GOOD!! I cannot wait to hear the rest!

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 15d

I made a really good omelette this morning.

In other, more important news, the first segment of the audiobook for Sunchaser dropped for my review yesterday! I'm super excited to listen to it and see what Cheryl-Annette Parker has done with her performance. #audiobook #sff

A wonderfully-cooked omelette with a nice, brown crust on the outside, folded in half

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 17d

IYKYK.

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 20d

Sound off of you've made it to Friday in spite of the craziness!

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 21d

Someone bought all four of my books in ebook format yesterday! Whoever you are, thank you, and I hope you love them!

(For the record, that only set them back $13 or so after tax...just sayin'.)

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 23d

Have you read Sunchaser? Did you know it has a sequel? Follow along with more of Glorya's adventures and meet her niece, Zayira, at the best--and only--weatherworking school in Midlands! #booksky #indieauthor #fantasy #sff

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 23d

Leaning toward this graphic. Thanks to all who weighed in!

I've also got a newsletter coming out soon with more updates on audiobook news. (Spoiler alert: it's going great so far!) Sign up on my website--link in bio.

What's your favorite thing about audiobooks?

#booksky #sff #fantasylit

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 24d

Finished and ready to box up and send! I really like how this came out. #crochet #yarnaddict

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 26d

Which do you like best? If you've read my books, which fits them best? #indieauthor #indiefantasy #amwriting #amwritingfantasy #fantasybooks

Emily Barlow, Author @emilybarlowauthor.bsky.social · 26d

Look what I got in my notifications today! Time to go pick up some indie reads!

If you like fantasy books, I'd love for you to consider mine. I've pulled back on promotion this month as I pivot on a few things, so they haven't gotten much love. Links in my bio.