Mary Robinette Kowal
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maryrobinettekowal.com
Mary Robinette Kowal
@maryrobinettekowal.com
33K followers 640 following 5K posts
Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Award-winning and USA Today best-selling author, narrator, and professional puppeteer. Also has a talking cat. Latest title: Apprehension.
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maryrobinettekowal.com
As you're nominating your favorite works of 2025, @sentencebender.bsky.social and I would like to note that Red Star Hustle is a NOVEL, and Apprehension is a NOVELLA, so you can nominate both on award ballots.
Over a purple and pink ombre background, a banner that says, "2026 Award Season Eligibility". Then the words, "Red Star Hustle is a NOVEL. Apprehension is a NOVELLA" over a copy of the double-sided book. Then, the bottom text is, "You can nominate both on your upcoming award ballots! by Sam J. Miller and Mary Robinette Kowal."
February 6, 2026 at 11:04 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I'm going to be giving critiques on 5,000-word submissions and teaching a class on mining your personal history at the third annual Sandia Starforgers retreat for SFF writers. All topics by instructors are now listed on the event page. Only 3 tickets left, and doors close March 10. starforgers.com
Over a background image of the Sandia Mountains, the words, "Sandia Starforgers Writers Retreat and Workshop. April 24-27, 2026. Albuquerque, NM. Starforgers.com." Then, there are photos of the instructors and pitch guests with their names: Charlie Jane Anders, Mary Robinette Kowal, dave ring, Geoff Habiger, Marie Parks, Darling Heart, Alexandria Valentine.
February 5, 2026 at 9:17 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Seattle: Will @sentencebender.bsky.social and I see you at @emeraldcitycon.bsky.social March 5-8? Please say hello! www.emeraldcitycomiccon.com/en-us.html
Over a purple background with a pink pinwheel, the Emerald City Comic Con logo, plus the words "March 5-8 in Seattle, WA". Next is the double cover of Apprehension and Red Star Hustle by Mary Robinette Kowal and Sam J. Miller, respectively. Photos of each of them are at the bottom.
February 4, 2026 at 4:48 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
This Friday, February 6 at 8 PM ET, I'll be speaking on Zoom with the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society. If you'd like to attend, email [email protected] for the link.
At the top is the PSFS logo of a rocket ship over the sun with the words "Philadelphia Science Fiction Society." Beside a photo of Mary Robinette Kowal smiling at the camera are the words, "February guest speaker, multi-award winning author, Mary Robinette Kowal. Friday Feb. 6 at 8 pm on Zoom. email info@psfs.org for Zoom link!"
February 4, 2026 at 4:35 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I'm pleased to be a keynote speaker at this year's Pikes Peak Writers Conference (April 17-19) in Colorado Springs. Of note: they've introduced a Conference Champion program this year to say thank you for attendees who invite friends. conference.pikespeakwriters.org/2026/01/22/b...
The words in a Western script, "Saddle Up and Write" under "2026 Pikes Peak Writers Conference." There logo is below, with a cowboy hat-wearing horse rider holding up a book in their hand as the horse stands on its hind legs. In the background is a mountain, and the figures are surrounded by prickly pear cacti. At the bottom is a photo of Mary Robinette Kowal holding books, and beside her are the words, "with Keynote Speaker Mary Robinette Kowal"
February 4, 2026 at 4:27 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
The worlds of writing and publishing (the latter especially) are famously opaque. I don't pretend to have all of the answers, but I am at your disposal for any question you wish to ask during my monthly Patreon Q&A, which occurs tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3 at 8 PM ET. patreon.com/maryrobinette
Over a yellow background, the words, "Ask me anything on Mary Robinette Kowal's Patreon, Tuesday, February 3rd at 8 PM ET." Then, over a blue background, the words, "Join the Q&A tier at $15/mo before prices increase on March 1st. Patreon.com/maryrobinette." There's also some stars in the background and a photo of Mary Robinette in a blue coat with a cream scarf.
February 2, 2026 at 9:52 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Elsie has a Very Important Announcement: The Hospital at the End of the World by @justinkey.bsky.social comes out on Tuesday, February 3. Justin is such a gifted storyteller. bookshop.org/a/3560/97800...
Photograph of Elsie the calico cat sleeping on a turquoise pillow with Justin C. Key's "The Hospital at the End of the World" book propped against her. Behind her is an art print with a cat in front of a volcano with the words, "It's fine. I'm fine."
February 1, 2026 at 7:22 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Tomorrow, Sunday, Feb 1 at 7 PM ET, join Elsie, Fog, Sidhe, and their humans, Kat and myself, for a livestream chat about talking animals and our journeys with augmentative interspecies communication. Watch us live on instagram.com/elsiewants or catch the video recording after the livestream ends.
Over a light blue background with some yellow cat paws crossing in the corners, the words, "Livestream Collab: @elsiewants and @wyrdfamiliars Sunday February 1, 7 PM ET on Instagram." There's also a photo of Elsie the calico with her button board and Sidhe and Fog of the @wyrdfamiliars account.
January 31, 2026 at 9:01 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
On Monday, 2/2, let's talk about how setting intentions guides the decision-making process of writing and generates a metric for success not based on words/time. I'm raising Patreon tier prices for the first time in two years on March 1, so join now to lock in your rate. patreon.com/maryrobinette
Over a purple-tinted background photo of a laptop and beside a photo of Mary Robinette wearing a coat and holding books are the words, "Mary Robinette Kowal's Patreon Class: Using Intentions in Writing. Monday, February 2 at 8 PM ET for the 'Live-Streaming Classes' tier and above (rescheduled from January). Free 7-day trial available at patreon.com/maryrobinette." And then, in a yellow circle are the words, "Patreon tier prices increase March 1. Join now to lock in the current rate."
January 31, 2026 at 8:39 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I'm excited to be on the "Behind the Mic: Audiobook Narrators Panel" by the @brailleinstitute.bsky.social on Tuesday, February 17 at 11:00 AM PT.

To join the online session for free, go to bit.ly/3N4QJru

We'll discuss voice, storytelling, accessible reading, and more.
Over a lavender background, the header says, "Virtual Panel Talk." On the right side are headshots of the four panelists, who are all smiling at the camera. On the left side is informational text: "Behind the Mic: Audiobook Narrators Panel. Tuesday, 17 February 11:00a - noon PT, online via Microsoft Teams. Meet the voices behind your favorite audiobooks! Hear from four experts as they talk voice, storytelling, and accessible reading. Jill Fox, Mary Robinette Kowal, January LaVoy, and Moira Quirk. Register to attend: bit.ly/3N4QJRu. Contact us: 800-808-2555." There is also a QR code to register and the logo of the Braille Institute at the bottom.
January 29, 2026 at 11:25 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I'm looking forward to being a featured author at @awesomecon.bsky.social from March 13-15 in Washington, DC. Will I see you there? Please say hello! awesome-con.com
Over a dark background, the "Awesome Con" logo with a photo of Mary Robinette, the cover of The Martian Contingency, and then the words: "Mary Robinette Kowal: Lady Astronaut Universe, The Spare Man, The glamourist Histories series, Ghost Talkers."
January 22, 2026 at 4:06 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Folks in Western Michigan, if you wish to brave the snow this Saturday, I will be giving a reading and signing books at Booked Up in Kalamazoo at 1 PM along with @jeshonard.bsky.social and @marieparks.bsky.social. Come say hello!
A promotional image that says, "Booked Up Signing Event. Join us in welcoming Kalamazoo Native Jes Honard and Co-Author Marie Parks! Joining them is 4-time Hugo Award Winner Mary Robinette Kowal! January 24th, 2026 1 PM - 2 PM, 4518 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006." There are also photos of Jes, Marie, and Mary Robinette holding books and smiling at the camera.
January 20, 2026 at 3:57 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Remind me, is the Linen Age before or after the Bronze Age?
A simple sign that says Linen Age, on a beige wall next to a white door. The door has a key card reader.
January 18, 2026 at 2:39 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Behind-the-scenes tidbit of my short story, "To Speak in Silence" in @uncannymagazine.bsky.social: it's based on an organ at my parents' house. Mom collected pottery from NC, and these chickens were among her favorites. www.uncannymagazine.com/article/to-s... Also, we used the organ in our wedding.
Photograph of a small pump organ. Above the keys on either side of the music stand, are two ceramic chickens. The one on the left is yellow, and the one on the right is red and black. They feature in the story.
January 15, 2026 at 6:03 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I just learned there are only 4 tickets left to join the Sandia Starforgers retreat for SFFH writers, where I'll be teaching this spring in New Mexico. It's an intimate event with critique sessions, pitching, and chances to meet other writers. This is my 3rd year on faculty. starforgers.com
Over a background photograph of the Sandia mountains and the sky, the words: "Sandia Starforgers Retreats and Workshops in Albuquerque, NM for SFFH + Speculative Fiction Writers. starforgers.com"
January 13, 2026 at 10:56 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Have you picked up a copy of WRECK YOUR HEART by @loriraderday.bsky.social yet? I'm a sucker for well-written, witty, page turners. Loved it. I'm welcoming Lori to a bonus Q&A with my Patreon supporters tomorrow, Monday, January 12 at 8 PM ET, so join us at patreon.com/maryrobinette.
Over a background of multicolored stripes is the book cover for Wreck Your Heart by Lori-Rader Day. There's a quote from Publishers Weekly (starred review) above it that says, "Exceptional... consistently surprising."
January 11, 2026 at 4:54 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Today at 7 PM ET, join Elsie and me on her Instagram account for a livestream chat with fellow @fluentpet.bsky.social talking animals, Bert and Ernie, their human, Robin Deans. You'll find us on www.instagram.com/elsiewants, plus the video will remain available after the livestream ends.
Over a photo of Elsie the cat with her buttons and Bert and Ernie (the talking dog and cat), the words: "Livestream Collab: @elsiewants and @bertandernie_bestfriends. Sunday, January 11, 7 PM ET, on Instagram"
January 11, 2026 at 4:23 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Congratulations to @loriraderday.bsky.social on her newest book, WRECK YOUR HEART, which I am very much enjoying! I'm welcoming Lori to a bonus Q&A with my Patreon subscribers on Monday, January 12th at 8 PM ET. Join us at patreon.com/maryrobinette (free trial is available)
January 9, 2026 at 6:20 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
On Tuesday, January 6, I'm hosting a Q&A on Patreon. I'll also highlight my newest short story, "To Speak in Silence," published in @uncannymagazine.bsky.social Issue 67. Feel free to ask questions related to this story or anything else. I'm an open book (ha ha). Join at patreon.com/maryrobinette
Over a purple background, there's a photo of Mary Robinette taped up beside the words, "Ask me anything, Tuesday, January 6th, 8 PM Eastern, featuring my newest short story, "To Speak in Silence."
January 4, 2026 at 4:06 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Okay... This is a little on the nose.
Screenshot of a post by Merriam-Webster saying " take a screenshot of this gif and word whichever new word you land on is your word for 2026 that's. Go." The word is theatrical
January 2, 2026 at 6:45 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
There's a brand-new bookstore opening in Kalamazoo, MI on January 2nd, and I'm honored to be their first guest author appearance, along with @jeshonard.bsky.social and @marieparks.bsky.social. I'll see you for a reading and signing at Booked Up on Saturday, January 24 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Over a colorful blue and orange background, the words, "Booked Up Signing Event: Join us in welcoming Kalamazoo Native Jes Honard and Co-Author Marie Parks! Joining them is 4-time Hugo Award Winner Mary Robinette Kowal! January 24th, 2026, 1PM - 2PM, 4518 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006." Under this are photos of the three authors.
December 28, 2025 at 6:01 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
As part of an Award Winner Goldbox promotion, The Calculating Stars ebook is only $2.99 on Sunday, December 28th across all US retailers. Happy reading!
December 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Earlier this year, I was on @dragoncon.org TV to talk about The Martian Contingency, the origin of the Lady Astronaut books, and the choose-your-own-adventure approach to their reading order. www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE6R... I was honored to win the Dragon Award for Best Alternate History Novel.
Video screenshot of Will Burkhalter and Mary Robinette Kowal talking at a conference table with a copy of The Martian Contingency between them.
December 27, 2025 at 4:41 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Hooray! @writingexcuses.bsky.social has been named one of the 12 best writing podcasts by Podcast Review. See the full list at podcastreview.org/list/best-wr...
The text says, "Podcast Review: The 12 Best Writing Podcasts. The process of looking for inspiration can be a lonely one. This is where writing podcasts can become a useful resource to support your creative practice." There are also photos of all the podcast logos. It's a screenshot of text that says: "Writing Excuses is a punchy, fifteen-minute podcast that focuses on the craft behind creative writing. The success of the show is down to the dynamism of its presenters. Each one a working writer, the hosts represent a wide range of interests and genres, offering ideas on hundreds of writing topics. "Have you ever wondered how to use food as a creative device? Do you know how to write a character who is out of their depth? In many ways, Writing Excuses is delightfully old-school, yet it also reflects emerging and important trends in writing, such as gender, writing “the other,” and using sensitivity readers. Episode highlights include their recent live recorded shows, where the hosts’ cross-talk is funny and engaging; combined with the frequency of their episodes, Writing Excuses is a solid resource."
December 24, 2025 at 3:19 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Here is Elsie doing a holiday photo shoot.
A small calico cat pokes her head and one little white paw through a wall of wrapping paper. The paper is delicate evergreen sprigs and red berries on a white background.
December 24, 2025 at 1:12 PM