Dr Sam Hirst
@romgothsam.bsky.social
Cat sitter. Gothic lit and theology. Gothic romance. Queer Gothic. Runs 'Romancing the Gothic'.
Pinned
Dr Sam Hirst
@romgothsam.bsky.social
· Jan 23
a close up of a man 's face with the word woo written below him
Alt: Nicholas Cage screaming WOO!
media.tenor.com
Job Application Update Thread 2025 - now on Bluesky!
For those who are new, I do one of these every year, to keep track of my applications.
Let's go!
For those who are new, I do one of these every year, to keep track of my applications.
Let's go!
So a fun fact is that, because of my research on Thomas Wildman, I have read the whole of his letter referenced here in the archives!
At first you're like, why does this have a wiki page
Then you find out it might be the best wiki page ever
Then you find out it might be the best wiki page ever
November 29, 2025 at 3:08 AM
So a fun fact is that, because of my research on Thomas Wildman, I have read the whole of his letter referenced here in the archives!
Romancing the Gothic is reading the whole Rath and Rune series in December so this is excellent news.
❄️WINTER HOLIDAY SALE!❄️
Looking for some queer romance to keep you warm on these cold days? Now through midnight December 31, my ENTIRE store is on sale! Ebooks are 20% off, paperbacks and hardcovers are 10% off. No code needed!
So hop on over to jordanlhawk.com and grab some discounted books!
Looking for some queer romance to keep you warm on these cold days? Now through midnight December 31, my ENTIRE store is on sale! Ebooks are 20% off, paperbacks and hardcovers are 10% off. No code needed!
So hop on over to jordanlhawk.com and grab some discounted books!
November 28, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Romancing the Gothic is reading the whole Rath and Rune series in December so this is excellent news.
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
Think it's important to note that Unbound is still dicking over their (former) authors. Don't pay them, buy from places that are actually paying the authors!
Quick note to anyone thinking of buying my books: please purchase the new Swift Press versions, NOT the relatively small number of Unbound versions still knocking about, & being sold by OOINYA. Unbound stopped paying me for my work early in 2024 and I will never see a penny for these books.
November 28, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Think it's important to note that Unbound is still dicking over their (former) authors. Don't pay them, buy from places that are actually paying the authors!
Oh my God! Forgot to mention my absolute favourite: The Batchelor's Valet.
Soft queer romance in a lightly magical 20s with some Jeeves and Wooster vibes!
Soft queer romance in a lightly magical 20s with some Jeeves and Wooster vibes!
Arden will be visiting the Romancing the Gothic book group in January to talk about Flesh and Bone.
All welcome! (It's free and online!)
What a great day to buy the book (or indeed, any of Arden's books! My faves are 'The Bayou' and 'In the Pit of Your Stomach')
All welcome! (It's free and online!)
What a great day to buy the book (or indeed, any of Arden's books! My faves are 'The Bayou' and 'In the Pit of Your Stomach')
I got hit with an unexpected $200 expense today! I need to buy software to keep my new freelance job. It would be amazing to sell some books or get some new patrons to help cover it 😬
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/ardenpowell
Exclusive fiction: www.patreon.com/ardenpowell
Books on Itchio: ardenpowell.itch.io
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/ardenpowell
Exclusive fiction: www.patreon.com/ardenpowell
Books on Itchio: ardenpowell.itch.io
November 28, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Oh my God! Forgot to mention my absolute favourite: The Batchelor's Valet.
Soft queer romance in a lightly magical 20s with some Jeeves and Wooster vibes!
Soft queer romance in a lightly magical 20s with some Jeeves and Wooster vibes!
Arden will be visiting the Romancing the Gothic book group in January to talk about Flesh and Bone.
All welcome! (It's free and online!)
What a great day to buy the book (or indeed, any of Arden's books! My faves are 'The Bayou' and 'In the Pit of Your Stomach')
All welcome! (It's free and online!)
What a great day to buy the book (or indeed, any of Arden's books! My faves are 'The Bayou' and 'In the Pit of Your Stomach')
I got hit with an unexpected $200 expense today! I need to buy software to keep my new freelance job. It would be amazing to sell some books or get some new patrons to help cover it 😬
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/ardenpowell
Exclusive fiction: www.patreon.com/ardenpowell
Books on Itchio: ardenpowell.itch.io
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/ardenpowell
Exclusive fiction: www.patreon.com/ardenpowell
Books on Itchio: ardenpowell.itch.io
November 28, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Arden will be visiting the Romancing the Gothic book group in January to talk about Flesh and Bone.
All welcome! (It's free and online!)
What a great day to buy the book (or indeed, any of Arden's books! My faves are 'The Bayou' and 'In the Pit of Your Stomach')
All welcome! (It's free and online!)
What a great day to buy the book (or indeed, any of Arden's books! My faves are 'The Bayou' and 'In the Pit of Your Stomach')
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
I love this bookshop! Friends and readers have sent me photos of my books on Portal's shelves 🖤
If you're looking for books this Friday, may I recommend one of my favourite small bookshops? Portal in York! They specialise in queer literature of all varieties and there are so many great reads available for delivery!
the-portal-bookshop.square.site/about
the-portal-bookshop.square.site/about
About | The Portal Bookshop
the-portal-bookshop.square.site
November 28, 2025 at 4:08 PM
I love this bookshop! Friends and readers have sent me photos of my books on Portal's shelves 🖤
If you're looking for books this Friday, may I recommend one of my favourite small bookshops? Portal in York! They specialise in queer literature of all varieties and there are so many great reads available for delivery!
the-portal-bookshop.square.site/about
the-portal-bookshop.square.site/about
About | The Portal Bookshop
the-portal-bookshop.square.site
November 28, 2025 at 3:59 PM
If you're looking for books this Friday, may I recommend one of my favourite small bookshops? Portal in York! They specialise in queer literature of all varieties and there are so many great reads available for delivery!
the-portal-bookshop.square.site/about
the-portal-bookshop.square.site/about
Are you interested in my work... well, here you go!
Come explore Gothic theologies with me :)
Come explore Gothic theologies with me :)
If you'd like a sneak peek of my work, I've done a few talks based off it!
Here's a talk based on the first chapter 'Gothic Theologies of Toleration and the Depiction of the Catholic'
youtu.be/m2teiMn7fXo
Here's a talk based on the first chapter 'Gothic Theologies of Toleration and the Depiction of the Catholic'
youtu.be/m2teiMn7fXo
Gothic Theologies of Toleration and the Depiction of Catholicism with Dr Sam Hirst
YouTube video by Romancing the Gothic
youtu.be
November 28, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Are you interested in my work... well, here you go!
Come explore Gothic theologies with me :)
Come explore Gothic theologies with me :)
In which I introduce you to 'Terror snake'
For people who've only recently found me, I do a lot of online work sharing my research and doing classes that are then made available on the Romancing the Gothic YouTube channel.
Have a peruse!
For people who've only recently found me, I do a lot of online work sharing my research and doing classes that are then made available on the Romancing the Gothic YouTube channel.
Have a peruse!
Indeed, if you don't know me or my work, you can find a whole bunch of talks and videos by me here!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUVJ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUVJ...
Terror and Horror with Dr Sam Hirst
YouTube video by Romancing the Gothic
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In which I introduce you to 'Terror snake'
For people who've only recently found me, I do a lot of online work sharing my research and doing classes that are then made available on the Romancing the Gothic YouTube channel.
Have a peruse!
For people who've only recently found me, I do a lot of online work sharing my research and doing classes that are then made available on the Romancing the Gothic YouTube channel.
Have a peruse!
I'm really excited for tomorrow's talk on
Haunting, Caste Aesthetics and Violence in South Asian Horror
Come join us only for free online at 10am or 4pm GMT (5am/11am EST, 3.30pm/9.30pm IST)
10 - www.tickettailor.com/events/roman...
4 - www.tickettailor.com/events/roman...
Haunting, Caste Aesthetics and Violence in South Asian Horror
Come join us only for free online at 10am or 4pm GMT (5am/11am EST, 3.30pm/9.30pm IST)
10 - www.tickettailor.com/events/roman...
4 - www.tickettailor.com/events/roman...
Select tickets – The Ghost is Upper-Caste: Haunting, Caste Aesthetics, and Violence in South Asian Horror with Ishan Tripathi – Zoom
The Ghost is Upper-Caste: Haunting, Caste Aesthetics, and Violence in South Asian Horror with Ishan Tripathi – Zoom, Sat 29 Nov 2025 - Our series of talks is funded exclusively by donations. The talk...
www.tickettailor.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:32 PM
I'm really excited for tomorrow's talk on
Haunting, Caste Aesthetics and Violence in South Asian Horror
Come join us only for free online at 10am or 4pm GMT (5am/11am EST, 3.30pm/9.30pm IST)
10 - www.tickettailor.com/events/roman...
4 - www.tickettailor.com/events/roman...
Haunting, Caste Aesthetics and Violence in South Asian Horror
Come join us only for free online at 10am or 4pm GMT (5am/11am EST, 3.30pm/9.30pm IST)
10 - www.tickettailor.com/events/roman...
4 - www.tickettailor.com/events/roman...
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
I had an interesting set of interactions w AI-generated content that I think is instructive. A very bright student made a claim in an essay that struck me as outlandish, so I searched the question on Google which turned up that phrasing the search a certain way makes the AI summary agree w the claim
November 28, 2025 at 2:18 PM
I had an interesting set of interactions w AI-generated content that I think is instructive. A very bright student made a claim in an essay that struck me as outlandish, so I searched the question on Google which turned up that phrasing the search a certain way makes the AI summary agree w the claim
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
When Romani history & culture is not considered valuable, interesting or worthwhile racism can grow into policy like this.
There are no positions, prizes or fellowships specifically for Romani history in British universities.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
There are no positions, prizes or fellowships specifically for Romani history in British universities.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
New Slovenian law treats entire Romany minority ‘as a security threat’
Parliament approves law giving police powers to raid and surveil homes in what are demarcated as security risk areas
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:46 PM
When Romani history & culture is not considered valuable, interesting or worthwhile racism can grow into policy like this.
There are no positions, prizes or fellowships specifically for Romani history in British universities.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
There are no positions, prizes or fellowships specifically for Romani history in British universities.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
It’s the perfect time to mention that my book makes an unusual and fascinating Christmas present! Only 3 books left at Amazon but plenty available at Pen & Sword or Peterborough Museum
November 27, 2025 at 7:56 PM
It’s the perfect time to mention that my book makes an unusual and fascinating Christmas present! Only 3 books left at Amazon but plenty available at Pen & Sword or Peterborough Museum
Oh no, the weird author scammers have found me. They love my indie release apparently.
It is, indeed, a book with mass appeal
It is, indeed, a book with mass appeal
November 27, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Oh no, the weird author scammers have found me. They love my indie release apparently.
It is, indeed, a book with mass appeal
It is, indeed, a book with mass appeal
Honestly, I would say that the successes I've had haven't brought me happiness.
The happiest I've been in recent years wasn't getting a book contract or winning a job, it was working fitfully freelance, taking time to cook, and coming home to sit under a cat purring for England.
The happiest I've been in recent years wasn't getting a book contract or winning a job, it was working fitfully freelance, taking time to cook, and coming home to sit under a cat purring for England.
If happiness and fulfillment make me unsuccessful, then baby sit back and watch me NOT FUCKING SUCCEED.
November 27, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Honestly, I would say that the successes I've had haven't brought me happiness.
The happiest I've been in recent years wasn't getting a book contract or winning a job, it was working fitfully freelance, taking time to cook, and coming home to sit under a cat purring for England.
The happiest I've been in recent years wasn't getting a book contract or winning a job, it was working fitfully freelance, taking time to cook, and coming home to sit under a cat purring for England.
Do let me know some of your favourite books about, reimagining or riffing on the Brontës! Share the love :)
While I'm here... some of my favourites!
1) What Souls Are Made Of by Tasha Suri
This is a remix of Wuthering Heights which imagines the period after Heathcliff leaves the Heights (and Cathy is left there). It offers a different ending and explores the histories of South Asians in Britain.
1) What Souls Are Made Of by Tasha Suri
This is a remix of Wuthering Heights which imagines the period after Heathcliff leaves the Heights (and Cathy is left there). It offers a different ending and explores the histories of South Asians in Britain.
November 26, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Do let me know some of your favourite books about, reimagining or riffing on the Brontës! Share the love :)
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
riff on brontos instead imo
I have read so many books based on, riffing off or about the Brontes this year that I think I am reaching maximum saturation.
November 26, 2025 at 10:02 PM
riff on brontos instead imo
While I'm here... some of my favourites!
1) What Souls Are Made Of by Tasha Suri
This is a remix of Wuthering Heights which imagines the period after Heathcliff leaves the Heights (and Cathy is left there). It offers a different ending and explores the histories of South Asians in Britain.
1) What Souls Are Made Of by Tasha Suri
This is a remix of Wuthering Heights which imagines the period after Heathcliff leaves the Heights (and Cathy is left there). It offers a different ending and explores the histories of South Asians in Britain.
November 26, 2025 at 9:51 PM
While I'm here... some of my favourites!
1) What Souls Are Made Of by Tasha Suri
This is a remix of Wuthering Heights which imagines the period after Heathcliff leaves the Heights (and Cathy is left there). It offers a different ending and explores the histories of South Asians in Britain.
1) What Souls Are Made Of by Tasha Suri
This is a remix of Wuthering Heights which imagines the period after Heathcliff leaves the Heights (and Cathy is left there). It offers a different ending and explores the histories of South Asians in Britain.
I have read so many books based on, riffing off or about the Brontes this year that I think I am reaching maximum saturation.
November 26, 2025 at 9:41 PM
I have read so many books based on, riffing off or about the Brontes this year that I think I am reaching maximum saturation.
Something that is very niche to be vexed about but very much a recurring theme in my work is the fact that popular ideas about the Bronte juvenilia is by and large informed by fictional works which draw on it written by authors who very clearly haven't read even a fraction of it.
November 26, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Something that is very niche to be vexed about but very much a recurring theme in my work is the fact that popular ideas about the Bronte juvenilia is by and large informed by fictional works which draw on it written by authors who very clearly haven't read even a fraction of it.
'This author investigates the profound mysteries surrounding the Brontes' lives...'
In which we once again discover that 'investigating profound mysteries' means 'hadn't done any of the reading and have conflated what *the author* doesn't know with what no-one knows'
In which we once again discover that 'investigating profound mysteries' means 'hadn't done any of the reading and have conflated what *the author* doesn't know with what no-one knows'
November 26, 2025 at 4:01 PM
'This author investigates the profound mysteries surrounding the Brontes' lives...'
In which we once again discover that 'investigating profound mysteries' means 'hadn't done any of the reading and have conflated what *the author* doesn't know with what no-one knows'
In which we once again discover that 'investigating profound mysteries' means 'hadn't done any of the reading and have conflated what *the author* doesn't know with what no-one knows'
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
Hello new friends! I think it is time to share once again the most joyful thing in my life.
You know what that means.
It's cat thread time!
Some of the cats I have sat for this year. Each a tiny cat star!
You know what that means.
It's cat thread time!
Some of the cats I have sat for this year. Each a tiny cat star!
November 21, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Hello new friends! I think it is time to share once again the most joyful thing in my life.
You know what that means.
It's cat thread time!
Some of the cats I have sat for this year. Each a tiny cat star!
You know what that means.
It's cat thread time!
Some of the cats I have sat for this year. Each a tiny cat star!
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
Universities are in crisis, and I don’t think it’s helpful to phrase that as “exiting the market”. They’re not mid-range shoe shops, these are educational pillars in society
Chief exec of OfS 'said the OfS believes there are 24 institutions at risk of exiting the market in the next 12 months, seven of which are large providers with more than 3,000 students. There are another 25 or so institutions of various sizes at risk over a two- to three-year period, she added.'
Seven ‘large providers’ at risk of going under in the next year
Skills minister says no higher education institutions are at imminent risk of collapse this year but OfS confirms more than 20 providers are being closely monitored
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Universities are in crisis, and I don’t think it’s helpful to phrase that as “exiting the market”. They’re not mid-range shoe shops, these are educational pillars in society
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
This is a great time to remind everyone that Thom & I run Torch & Arrow, an Etsy shop w/ cool fandom things, 1-of-a-kind Goth stuff, pins, tie bars, cuff-links, jewelry, accessories, restored vintage goodies, my backlist books, sculpture & more! We're part of Etsy's big sale! torchandarrow.etsy.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:53 AM
This is a great time to remind everyone that Thom & I run Torch & Arrow, an Etsy shop w/ cool fandom things, 1-of-a-kind Goth stuff, pins, tie bars, cuff-links, jewelry, accessories, restored vintage goodies, my backlist books, sculpture & more! We're part of Etsy's big sale! torchandarrow.etsy.com
Reposted by Dr Sam Hirst
I've just added a few more talks to the Romancing the Gothic world map. If you'd like to explore horror, the Gothic, the supernatural, folklore and more in talks with experts from around the world... this is the resource for you!
padlet.com/hollyhirst84...
padlet.com/hollyhirst84...
Romancing the Gothic World Tour
Made with Padlet
padlet.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:15 PM
I've just added a few more talks to the Romancing the Gothic world map. If you'd like to explore horror, the Gothic, the supernatural, folklore and more in talks with experts from around the world... this is the resource for you!
padlet.com/hollyhirst84...
padlet.com/hollyhirst84...