Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
@therisingtithes.bsky.social
🇹🇹 Poet, SFF writer, TTRPG designer. Worldcon 2025 Poet Laureate.
@rascal.news columnist. Podcaster @speculate.bsky.social & @skiffyandfanty.com.
Author of CAN YOU SIGN MY TENTACLE? and other things.
Thank God for words.
https://www.brandonobrien.xyz/
@rascal.news columnist. Podcaster @speculate.bsky.social & @skiffyandfanty.com.
Author of CAN YOU SIGN MY TENTACLE? and other things.
Thank God for words.
https://www.brandonobrien.xyz/
Pinned
Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
@therisingtithes.bsky.social
· Oct 29
Brandon O'Brien's Afternoon Tea
Thoughts on media, the curiosities of our world, and things that may make us smile. I made this cup just for you.
brandonobrien.xyz
If you're new here:
Hey folks. I'm Brandon. I'm a poet, science fiction writer, and TTRPG designer from Trinidad. I have a lot of feelings about elegies, lagahoos, and Kamen Rider.
Find out about my writing and game design, and sign up for my very infrequent newsletter, here: brandonobrien.xyz
Hey folks. I'm Brandon. I'm a poet, science fiction writer, and TTRPG designer from Trinidad. I have a lot of feelings about elegies, lagahoos, and Kamen Rider.
Find out about my writing and game design, and sign up for my very infrequent newsletter, here: brandonobrien.xyz
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
🔪 LAUNCHED on ITCH 🔪
Gentleman Scoundrel, a Blades in the Dark solo+ poetry RPG! Become a Doskvol rogue who wields a pen as well as they handle a blade.
allisonarth.itch.io/gentleman-sc...
Gentleman Scoundrel, a Blades in the Dark solo+ poetry RPG! Become a Doskvol rogue who wields a pen as well as they handle a blade.
allisonarth.itch.io/gentleman-sc...
Gentleman Scoundrel | A Blades in the Dark Solo RPG by allison arth
A Doskvol poetry RPG for 1+
allisonarth.itch.io
December 3, 2025 at 6:56 PM
🔪 LAUNCHED on ITCH 🔪
Gentleman Scoundrel, a Blades in the Dark solo+ poetry RPG! Become a Doskvol rogue who wields a pen as well as they handle a blade.
allisonarth.itch.io/gentleman-sc...
Gentleman Scoundrel, a Blades in the Dark solo+ poetry RPG! Become a Doskvol rogue who wields a pen as well as they handle a blade.
allisonarth.itch.io/gentleman-sc...
Nothing gives me more joy every Spotify Wrapped than the discovery that I’m in the top fraction of a percentage of Everything Everything listeners.
December 3, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Nothing gives me more joy every Spotify Wrapped than the discovery that I’m in the top fraction of a percentage of Everything Everything listeners.
every combination of these words seem so tailored specifically for me that if you told me they were actually my sleeper agent activation phrase I would excitedly believe you
🔪TOMORROW on ITCH 🔪
BLADES MEETS BANDIT 🔥 SCORE MEETS SEVERED SONNET ⚡ A solo+ poetry RPG set in the back alleys of Doskvol
BLADES MEETS BANDIT 🔥 SCORE MEETS SEVERED SONNET ⚡ A solo+ poetry RPG set in the back alleys of Doskvol
December 3, 2025 at 2:00 AM
every combination of these words seem so tailored specifically for me that if you told me they were actually my sleeper agent activation phrase I would excitedly believe you
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
Everyone else is doing their awards nomination posts, so I guess I should do mine before I forget what I even wrote this year... 😅
Poetry has been a big deal for me, so considering any of my @seattlein2025.org poems for a Rhysling, or Con-Verse for a Best Related Work Hugo, would rock my world!
Poetry has been a big deal for me, so considering any of my @seattlein2025.org poems for a Rhysling, or Con-Verse for a Best Related Work Hugo, would rock my world!
November 15, 2025 at 3:45 AM
Everyone else is doing their awards nomination posts, so I guess I should do mine before I forget what I even wrote this year... 😅
Poetry has been a big deal for me, so considering any of my @seattlein2025.org poems for a Rhysling, or Con-Verse for a Best Related Work Hugo, would rock my world!
Poetry has been a big deal for me, so considering any of my @seattlein2025.org poems for a Rhysling, or Con-Verse for a Best Related Work Hugo, would rock my world!
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
I am extremely excited to announce that I'll be talking with the legendary @edzitron.com at St. John's University in Queens, NYC on Monday, March 9th. The event, which is open to the public, is called Generative AI--Ethics, Economy, and Education in the Age of Big Promises. More details coming soon!
December 2, 2025 at 4:54 PM
I am extremely excited to announce that I'll be talking with the legendary @edzitron.com at St. John's University in Queens, NYC on Monday, March 9th. The event, which is open to the public, is called Generative AI--Ethics, Economy, and Education in the Age of Big Promises. More details coming soon!
If you can't tell, yesterday's announcements have made me incredibly hype for @laworldcon.bsky.social!
Yesterday, @laworldcon.bsky.social announced that there would be a Poetry Hugo Award in 2026.
The 2025 Poet Laureate (and friend of the blog) @therisingtithes.bsky.social was kind enough to offer us a guest post celebrating this decision.
Guest Blog Post: hugoclub.blogspot.com/2025/12/gues...
The 2025 Poet Laureate (and friend of the blog) @therisingtithes.bsky.social was kind enough to offer us a guest post celebrating this decision.
Guest Blog Post: hugoclub.blogspot.com/2025/12/gues...
December 2, 2025 at 8:07 PM
If you can't tell, yesterday's announcements have made me incredibly hype for @laworldcon.bsky.social!
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
Honored to be a Special Guest at @laworldcon.bsky.social next year! 🚀💫💜
I hope to use the space to champion the amazing work of speculative poets and Canadian BIPOC SFF writers!
I hope to use the space to champion the amazing work of speculative poets and Canadian BIPOC SFF writers!
LAcon V is pleased to announce @teresempierre.bsky.social as a Special Guest.
She is an award-winning Canadian writer and editor whose work has appeared in Uncanny, Fantasy Magazine, & Best Canadian Fantasy and Science Fiction.
Her work has been shortlisted for the Ignite, the Elgin, & the Aurora.
She is an award-winning Canadian writer and editor whose work has appeared in Uncanny, Fantasy Magazine, & Best Canadian Fantasy and Science Fiction.
Her work has been shortlisted for the Ignite, the Elgin, & the Aurora.
December 1, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Honored to be a Special Guest at @laworldcon.bsky.social next year! 🚀💫💜
I hope to use the space to champion the amazing work of speculative poets and Canadian BIPOC SFF writers!
I hope to use the space to champion the amazing work of speculative poets and Canadian BIPOC SFF writers!
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
Now that LA has announced their special category, the Hugo rec sheet has been updated (poem is after short story). If you've been vibrating with excitement to rec some poetry, your moment has arrived! #HugoAwards
December 1, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Now that LA has announced their special category, the Hugo rec sheet has been updated (poem is after short story). If you've been vibrating with excitement to rec some poetry, your moment has arrived! #HugoAwards
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
This is such amazing news! Now I'm the annoying gremlin coming in to remind folks that if they are attending WorldCon 2026 to PLEASE PLEASE vote for making this Hugo a permanent one (it'll be the last vote if it's successful!)
In Anaheim did Worldcon
a special Hugo Award decree
where sci-fi verse
with rhymes diverse
were celebrated as best poetry
(With apologies to Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
Yes, there will be a Hugo for Best Poem in 2026. The press release is out. The LAcon V will be updated later today.
a special Hugo Award decree
where sci-fi verse
with rhymes diverse
were celebrated as best poetry
(With apologies to Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
Yes, there will be a Hugo for Best Poem in 2026. The press release is out. The LAcon V will be updated later today.
December 1, 2025 at 7:14 PM
This is such amazing news! Now I'm the annoying gremlin coming in to remind folks that if they are attending WorldCon 2026 to PLEASE PLEASE vote for making this Hugo a permanent one (it'll be the last vote if it's successful!)
I know it says 'Special Guest' but if you think you can stop me from calling @teresempierre.bsky.social the Poet Laureate of LACon then I would love to see you try
December 1, 2025 at 8:27 PM
I know it says 'Special Guest' but if you think you can stop me from calling @teresempierre.bsky.social the Poet Laureate of LACon then I would love to see you try
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LAcon V is pleased to announce @teresempierre.bsky.social as a Special Guest.
She is an award-winning Canadian writer and editor whose work has appeared in Uncanny, Fantasy Magazine, & Best Canadian Fantasy and Science Fiction.
Her work has been shortlisted for the Ignite, the Elgin, & the Aurora.
She is an award-winning Canadian writer and editor whose work has appeared in Uncanny, Fantasy Magazine, & Best Canadian Fantasy and Science Fiction.
Her work has been shortlisted for the Ignite, the Elgin, & the Aurora.
December 1, 2025 at 8:09 PM
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
O, frabjous day!
I am so very excited that 2026 will have a Best Poem Hugo!
I am so very excited that 2026 will have a Best Poem Hugo!
In Anaheim did Worldcon
a special Hugo Award decree
where sci-fi verse
with rhymes diverse
were celebrated as best poetry
(With apologies to Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
Yes, there will be a Hugo for Best Poem in 2026. The press release is out. The LAcon V will be updated later today.
a special Hugo Award decree
where sci-fi verse
with rhymes diverse
were celebrated as best poetry
(With apologies to Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
Yes, there will be a Hugo for Best Poem in 2026. The press release is out. The LAcon V will be updated later today.
December 1, 2025 at 5:49 PM
O, frabjous day!
I am so very excited that 2026 will have a Best Poem Hugo!
I am so very excited that 2026 will have a Best Poem Hugo!
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
THE BEACONS ARE LIT! GONDOR WILL ANSWER!
This seems to be a good time to note that I'm still hoping that we will have a Special Hugo Award for Best Poem in 2026!
I love that the special award happened and that you were nominated for it!
December 1, 2025 at 5:15 PM
THE BEACONS ARE LIT! GONDOR WILL ANSWER!
Zeztz really laying the mysteries on thick now huh
this potential play on “the Rider’s powers are in some fashion derived from the antagonists’ powers” is kinda intriguing so I’m down to see where it goes
although, you know, there are a half dozen meteors plummeting to earth
also: THE ROOM 👀
this potential play on “the Rider’s powers are in some fashion derived from the antagonists’ powers” is kinda intriguing so I’m down to see where it goes
although, you know, there are a half dozen meteors plummeting to earth
also: THE ROOM 👀
November 30, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Zeztz really laying the mysteries on thick now huh
this potential play on “the Rider’s powers are in some fashion derived from the antagonists’ powers” is kinda intriguing so I’m down to see where it goes
although, you know, there are a half dozen meteors plummeting to earth
also: THE ROOM 👀
this potential play on “the Rider’s powers are in some fashion derived from the antagonists’ powers” is kinda intriguing so I’m down to see where it goes
although, you know, there are a half dozen meteors plummeting to earth
also: THE ROOM 👀
@profanity.accountant I am confident this number is lower than I would otherwise imagine
November 30, 2025 at 12:45 AM
@profanity.accountant I am confident this number is lower than I would otherwise imagine
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
A cunning plot, & an ancient green dragon, are revealed! Join the King's Citadel of @therisingtithes.bsky.social, @trendane.bsky.social, @jenniferbrozek.bsky.social, @mariebilodeau.bsky.social, & @jhelfers01.bsky.social at 7:30 p.m. ET in D&D w. I&B: Eberron--Oracle of War! www.twitch.tv/arvaneleron
ArvanEleron - Twitch
I'm Arvan Eleron, a writer and gamer. My favorite games are RPGs, particularly tabletop D&D, but I'm also a sucker for a good adventure or turn based strategy game (and I love Gran Turismo, if I can e...
www.twitch.tv
November 30, 2025 at 12:08 AM
A cunning plot, & an ancient green dragon, are revealed! Join the King's Citadel of @therisingtithes.bsky.social, @trendane.bsky.social, @jenniferbrozek.bsky.social, @mariebilodeau.bsky.social, & @jhelfers01.bsky.social at 7:30 p.m. ET in D&D w. I&B: Eberron--Oracle of War! www.twitch.tv/arvaneleron
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
Small business Saturday, you say? Consider supporting FIYAH as we approach year ten of publishing Black SFF stories and poetry! Back issues, art, gift subscriptions, merch, and more! Tell a friend, you never know who is missing out 🔥🔥🔥 fiyahlitmag.com/shop/
November 29, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Small business Saturday, you say? Consider supporting FIYAH as we approach year ten of publishing Black SFF stories and poetry! Back issues, art, gift subscriptions, merch, and more! Tell a friend, you never know who is missing out 🔥🔥🔥 fiyahlitmag.com/shop/
This year's Kohaku lineup has me curious. King & Prince means that Starto groups are back in White, but only 1 this year; White overall has fewer debuts AND fewer acts, which a lack of boy bands may account for, but not when some other male acts have had a banger 2025--like Yonezu Kenshi, for one.
NHK Announces 2025 Kōhaku Song Contest Lineup
Starto (formerly Johnny & Associates) breaks 2-year drought with King & Prince idols joining lineup
www.animenewsnetwork.com
November 29, 2025 at 6:11 PM
This year's Kohaku lineup has me curious. King & Prince means that Starto groups are back in White, but only 1 this year; White overall has fewer debuts AND fewer acts, which a lack of boy bands may account for, but not when some other male acts have had a banger 2025--like Yonezu Kenshi, for one.
A thought:
one other complication in the wake of AI faking both faces & words is that a non-zero number of writers want or need anonymity for all kinds of reasons, but do not require AI images on their social media to stand in for them. Embracing a kind of ‘earnest manufacture’ is more just.
one other complication in the wake of AI faking both faces & words is that a non-zero number of writers want or need anonymity for all kinds of reasons, but do not require AI images on their social media to stand in for them. Embracing a kind of ‘earnest manufacture’ is more just.
November 29, 2025 at 10:51 AM
A thought:
one other complication in the wake of AI faking both faces & words is that a non-zero number of writers want or need anonymity for all kinds of reasons, but do not require AI images on their social media to stand in for them. Embracing a kind of ‘earnest manufacture’ is more just.
one other complication in the wake of AI faking both faces & words is that a non-zero number of writers want or need anonymity for all kinds of reasons, but do not require AI images on their social media to stand in for them. Embracing a kind of ‘earnest manufacture’ is more just.
You wanna know what still sucks?
Pokémon Sleep appears to be unavailable in my region.
Pokémon Sleep appears to be unavailable in my region.
November 28, 2025 at 5:01 PM
You wanna know what still sucks?
Pokémon Sleep appears to be unavailable in my region.
Pokémon Sleep appears to be unavailable in my region.
It’s a sale! Come get some of my games for cheap!
Brandon's Black Friday Creator Day 2025 Sale by Brandon O'Brien | Neon Robin Bard Games
A bundle by Brandon O'Brien | Neon Robin Bard Games, $20.00 for 12 games
itch.io
November 28, 2025 at 12:22 PM
It’s a sale! Come get some of my games for cheap!
Discovering the slow growth in the number of Kamen Rider reaction channels on YouTube fills me with joy. I’ve seen the all-openings video so much myself but watching someone delight in it for the first time is so hype.
November 28, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Discovering the slow growth in the number of Kamen Rider reaction channels on YouTube fills me with joy. I’ve seen the all-openings video so much myself but watching someone delight in it for the first time is so hype.
I have just experienced my first American Thanksgiving.
Allyuh—I like food, and this is entirely too much food.
But spending time in the company of wonderful people is always welcome. 🤗
Allyuh—I like food, and this is entirely too much food.
But spending time in the company of wonderful people is always welcome. 🤗
November 28, 2025 at 12:19 AM
I have just experienced my first American Thanksgiving.
Allyuh—I like food, and this is entirely too much food.
But spending time in the company of wonderful people is always welcome. 🤗
Allyuh—I like food, and this is entirely too much food.
But spending time in the company of wonderful people is always welcome. 🤗
Reposted by Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
Written by the man behind Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, and Promare!!
A reminder to the world that if you like superhero stuff, like heartfelt teen drama that doesn’t paint high schoolers as reckless terrors but as kids trying to make it through their youth, & also like SPACE & the power of friendship—
Kamen Rider Fourze is very good and you should watch it
Kamen Rider Fourze is very good and you should watch it
a person is flying through the air in front of a building while wearing a jetpack .
Alt: A gif from Kamen Rider Fourze: a figure in a white rocket-shaped spandex bodysuit raises both of his arms to the sky. The camera then swiftly zooms out from his overhead view to show his street, his city, the country of Japan, and then the entire Planet Earth, before rapidly zooming back in on the figure.
media.tenor.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Written by the man behind Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, and Promare!!
A reminder to the world that if you like superhero stuff, like heartfelt teen drama that doesn’t paint high schoolers as reckless terrors but as kids trying to make it through their youth, & also like SPACE & the power of friendship—
Kamen Rider Fourze is very good and you should watch it
Kamen Rider Fourze is very good and you should watch it
a person is flying through the air in front of a building while wearing a jetpack .
Alt: A gif from Kamen Rider Fourze: a figure in a white rocket-shaped spandex bodysuit raises both of his arms to the sky. The camera then swiftly zooms out from his overhead view to show his street, his city, the country of Japan, and then the entire Planet Earth, before rapidly zooming back in on the figure.
media.tenor.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:36 AM
A reminder to the world that if you like superhero stuff, like heartfelt teen drama that doesn’t paint high schoolers as reckless terrors but as kids trying to make it through their youth, & also like SPACE & the power of friendship—
Kamen Rider Fourze is very good and you should watch it
Kamen Rider Fourze is very good and you should watch it