J.A.W. McCarthy
@jawmccarthy.bsky.social
2x Bram Stoker & 2x Shirley Jackson Award finalist. Author of SLEEP ALONE and SOMETIMES WE’RE CRUEL. Stories: Best Horror of the Year Vol 13, PseudoPod, Vastarien, Split Scream 3, more. Cat & lipstick enthusiast. She/Jen. Rep: Lane Heymont. jawmccarthy.com
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Hey, new friends, about me:
I’m the author of the sex, drugs & rock & roll, queer succubi novella SLEEP ALONE, the collection SOMETIMES WE’RE CRUEL, & numerous horror stories involving monstrous women and Thai folklore. I like it dark, sad, & decadently deranged. Prose 🖤er. Beauty in the grotesque.
I’m the author of the sex, drugs & rock & roll, queer succubi novella SLEEP ALONE, the collection SOMETIMES WE’RE CRUEL, & numerous horror stories involving monstrous women and Thai folklore. I like it dark, sad, & decadently deranged. Prose 🖤er. Beauty in the grotesque.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Time for an Eligibility post!
Thanks to everyone who spent a little time with my words this year. I always appreciate your kindness :)
If you want to nominate anything for anything…that’s wonderful.
If you don’t, that’s cool too :)
Thanks to everyone who spent a little time with my words this year. I always appreciate your kindness :)
If you want to nominate anything for anything…that’s wonderful.
If you don’t, that’s cool too :)
November 14, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Time for an Eligibility post!
Thanks to everyone who spent a little time with my words this year. I always appreciate your kindness :)
If you want to nominate anything for anything…that’s wonderful.
If you don’t, that’s cool too :)
Thanks to everyone who spent a little time with my words this year. I always appreciate your kindness :)
If you want to nominate anything for anything…that’s wonderful.
If you don’t, that’s cool too :)
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
I was having a conversation with a friend over this past weekend about publishing's insistence that marginalized writers aspire to having overt moral lessons in their stories for readers who lack perspective.
Like, there always has to be a lesson.
Like, there always has to be a lesson.
November 13, 2025 at 6:55 PM
I was having a conversation with a friend over this past weekend about publishing's insistence that marginalized writers aspire to having overt moral lessons in their stories for readers who lack perspective.
Like, there always has to be a lesson.
Like, there always has to be a lesson.
This is a really good reminder. Some recent acquisitions from @nadiabulkin.bsky.social @laurelhightower.bsky.social with a snippet of @haileypiperfights.bsky.social’s latest novel in the background bc we’ve gotten to a point where my TBR has bled over onto the dining room table.
November 13, 2025 at 6:17 PM
This is a really good reminder. Some recent acquisitions from @nadiabulkin.bsky.social @laurelhightower.bsky.social with a snippet of @haileypiperfights.bsky.social’s latest novel in the background bc we’ve gotten to a point where my TBR has bled over onto the dining room table.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Buy everyone (our) books this holiday season: the shopping's done & you fight hunger!
We will donate 50% of all profits on our books sold between 11/1–12/23 to the @gr8bosfoodbank.bsky.social. Our CEO will personally match this donation as well.
Buy direct at ruadanbooks.com.
#BookSky #foodbank
We will donate 50% of all profits on our books sold between 11/1–12/23 to the @gr8bosfoodbank.bsky.social. Our CEO will personally match this donation as well.
Buy direct at ruadanbooks.com.
#BookSky #foodbank
November 13, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Buy everyone (our) books this holiday season: the shopping's done & you fight hunger!
We will donate 50% of all profits on our books sold between 11/1–12/23 to the @gr8bosfoodbank.bsky.social. Our CEO will personally match this donation as well.
Buy direct at ruadanbooks.com.
#BookSky #foodbank
We will donate 50% of all profits on our books sold between 11/1–12/23 to the @gr8bosfoodbank.bsky.social. Our CEO will personally match this donation as well.
Buy direct at ruadanbooks.com.
#BookSky #foodbank
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Working on novels, but 2 stories in 2025: “The Project."
And One Day We Will Die: Strange Stories Inspired by the Music of Neutral Milk Hotel from @patrickbarb.bsky.social
“The Interior” from @3lobedmag.com 🔥 narration from @sapphicsapphire.bsky.social : www.3lobedmag.com/issue45/3lbe...
And One Day We Will Die: Strange Stories Inspired by the Music of Neutral Milk Hotel from @patrickbarb.bsky.social
“The Interior” from @3lobedmag.com 🔥 narration from @sapphicsapphire.bsky.social : www.3lobedmag.com/issue45/3lbe...
November 12, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Working on novels, but 2 stories in 2025: “The Project."
And One Day We Will Die: Strange Stories Inspired by the Music of Neutral Milk Hotel from @patrickbarb.bsky.social
“The Interior” from @3lobedmag.com 🔥 narration from @sapphicsapphire.bsky.social : www.3lobedmag.com/issue45/3lbe...
And One Day We Will Die: Strange Stories Inspired by the Music of Neutral Milk Hotel from @patrickbarb.bsky.social
“The Interior” from @3lobedmag.com 🔥 narration from @sapphicsapphire.bsky.social : www.3lobedmag.com/issue45/3lbe...
ICYMI: I’m really proud of this story and @pseudopod.org did a beautiful job producing it (as always). I’d love it if you gave it a listen/read.
The power of knowing oneself, accepting oneself, and spontaneous human combustion under the shadow of religious expectations. Please note the CWs
The power of knowing oneself, accepting oneself, and spontaneous human combustion under the shadow of religious expectations. Please note the CWs
PseudoPod 965: The Ecstasy of the Saints
I’m six the first time it happens. I’m sitting in the backseat of the family sedan, staring at the rearview mirror so I can see when my father’s big eye peels upward and focuses on me…
pseudopod.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:52 PM
ICYMI: I’m really proud of this story and @pseudopod.org did a beautiful job producing it (as always). I’d love it if you gave it a listen/read.
The power of knowing oneself, accepting oneself, and spontaneous human combustion under the shadow of religious expectations. Please note the CWs
The power of knowing oneself, accepting oneself, and spontaneous human combustion under the shadow of religious expectations. Please note the CWs
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
It's that time of year again! I've started collecting my annual list of eligibility and recommendation lists and award resources. Check out what people have done and loved this year and send me your own posts to add to the list!
acwise.net/what-have-yo...
acwise.net/what-have-yo...
What Have You Done, What Have You Loved 2025 – acwise.net
acwise.net
November 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM
It's that time of year again! I've started collecting my annual list of eligibility and recommendation lists and award resources. Check out what people have done and loved this year and send me your own posts to add to the list!
acwise.net/what-have-yo...
acwise.net/what-have-yo...
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Redoing this because I realized I forgot a couple!
November 12, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Redoing this because I realized I forgot a couple!
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
1 book sold = $1 to Arlington Food Assistance Center, my local food bank! My book drive continues through Dec. 1 (or when the gov't reopens). You can find all my books here: sonorawrites.com/books/
Books
The Crow’s Gift and Other Tales Please Give Wither and Other Stories Without Condition Little Paranoias: Stories Seeing Things Available in Spanish from Dilatando Mentes Editorial Someo…
sonorawrites.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
1 book sold = $1 to Arlington Food Assistance Center, my local food bank! My book drive continues through Dec. 1 (or when the gov't reopens). You can find all my books here: sonorawrites.com/books/
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
All the cool kids are doing it so I guess it's time to share my awards eligibility list! This year, I have two short stories and two essays out. The second story and essay will be released next month. I'm very proud of everything I've published this year. Would be honored if you'd check them out. 🖤
November 10, 2025 at 9:27 PM
All the cool kids are doing it so I guess it's time to share my awards eligibility list! This year, I have two short stories and two essays out. The second story and essay will be released next month. I'm very proud of everything I've published this year. Would be honored if you'd check them out. 🖤
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
🚨 November submissions are OPEN! We're seeking bold, subversive fiction on:
🔁 Cycles of revolution
💥 Revolution as a starting point
🌿 Quiet revolutions & resistance
📢 Disability, class & revolution
Submit now! www.khoreomag.com/submissions-...
🔁 Cycles of revolution
💥 Revolution as a starting point
🌿 Quiet revolutions & resistance
📢 Disability, class & revolution
Submit now! www.khoreomag.com/submissions-...
November 9, 2025 at 4:15 PM
🚨 November submissions are OPEN! We're seeking bold, subversive fiction on:
🔁 Cycles of revolution
💥 Revolution as a starting point
🌿 Quiet revolutions & resistance
📢 Disability, class & revolution
Submit now! www.khoreomag.com/submissions-...
🔁 Cycles of revolution
💥 Revolution as a starting point
🌿 Quiet revolutions & resistance
📢 Disability, class & revolution
Submit now! www.khoreomag.com/submissions-...
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
You can search by zip code and a lot of places have wish lists set up on Chewy so you’ll be able to see exactly what they need and have it sent direct to them. Couldn’t be easier.
if you are food insecure for both the humans and pets in your household there is a tool called Pet Help Finder that can help locate pet food banks nearby and other free or reduced price assistance and supplies for pets.
no one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, should have to give up their pet bc of this.
no one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE, should have to give up their pet bc of this.
November 9, 2025 at 2:01 AM
You can search by zip code and a lot of places have wish lists set up on Chewy so you’ll be able to see exactly what they need and have it sent direct to them. Couldn’t be easier.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Hi all!
I am on the programming team for StokerCon 2026, and I’m happy to share a little guide we’ve put together on proposing panels. Whether you’re new to panels or have a lot of experience with them, we’re hopeful the tips here will be helpful.
www.stokercon2025.com/programming
I am on the programming team for StokerCon 2026, and I’m happy to share a little guide we’ve put together on proposing panels. Whether you’re new to panels or have a lot of experience with them, we’re hopeful the tips here will be helpful.
www.stokercon2025.com/programming
PROGRAMMING | StokerCon 2026
www.stokercon2025.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Hi all!
I am on the programming team for StokerCon 2026, and I’m happy to share a little guide we’ve put together on proposing panels. Whether you’re new to panels or have a lot of experience with them, we’re hopeful the tips here will be helpful.
www.stokercon2025.com/programming
I am on the programming team for StokerCon 2026, and I’m happy to share a little guide we’ve put together on proposing panels. Whether you’re new to panels or have a lot of experience with them, we’re hopeful the tips here will be helpful.
www.stokercon2025.com/programming
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Zombie miners 🧟
Dark Fantasy 🐉
X-Files vibes 👽
Romance 🌹
Sometimes you can have all four of those. Not always, but sometimes.
malarkeybooks.com/store/barre-...
Dark Fantasy 🐉
X-Files vibes 👽
Romance 🌹
Sometimes you can have all four of those. Not always, but sometimes.
malarkeybooks.com/store/barre-...
November 7, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Zombie miners 🧟
Dark Fantasy 🐉
X-Files vibes 👽
Romance 🌹
Sometimes you can have all four of those. Not always, but sometimes.
malarkeybooks.com/store/barre-...
Dark Fantasy 🐉
X-Files vibes 👽
Romance 🌹
Sometimes you can have all four of those. Not always, but sometimes.
malarkeybooks.com/store/barre-...
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Our general submission window is now open!
We want stories and poetry with a strong voice and a sense of adventure, stuff that makes us feel things, stuff that lets us use our hearts and our brains and leaves us wanting more!
For our full guidelines and schedule, visit:
www.havenspec.com/submit/
We want stories and poetry with a strong voice and a sense of adventure, stuff that makes us feel things, stuff that lets us use our hearts and our brains and leaves us wanting more!
For our full guidelines and schedule, visit:
www.havenspec.com/submit/
November 1, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Our general submission window is now open!
We want stories and poetry with a strong voice and a sense of adventure, stuff that makes us feel things, stuff that lets us use our hearts and our brains and leaves us wanting more!
For our full guidelines and schedule, visit:
www.havenspec.com/submit/
We want stories and poetry with a strong voice and a sense of adventure, stuff that makes us feel things, stuff that lets us use our hearts and our brains and leaves us wanting more!
For our full guidelines and schedule, visit:
www.havenspec.com/submit/
YES. The closest I’ll ever get to sinking my teeth into that tempting wax.
“Eating candy corn feels like eating wax”
Yes! Good! Exactly! Do you know how many scented candles I’ve had that I’ve desperately wanted to eat?
Yes! Good! Exactly! Do you know how many scented candles I’ve had that I’ve desperately wanted to eat?
November 1, 2025 at 5:03 AM
YES. The closest I’ll ever get to sinking my teeth into that tempting wax.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
My latest What to Read column at Ruadán is all about ghosts and haunted houses! ruadanbooks.com/what-to-read...
What to Read – Ghosts and Haunted Houses - Ruadán Books
by Maria Haskins The very first ghost story that made an indelible impression on me was Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost, as read by famed Swedish actor Stig Järrel. This audio version was first…
ruadanbooks.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:56 PM
My latest What to Read column at Ruadán is all about ghosts and haunted houses! ruadanbooks.com/what-to-read...
Absolutely love this collection. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.
If you enjoyed my novels, you might like my short story collections too. My latest is Death Aesthetic. Horror and dark fantasy tales about grief and death and transformation.
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D7...
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D7...
Death Aesthetic
Death Aesthetic - Kindle edition by Rountree, Josh. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Death Aesthetic.
www.amazon.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Absolutely love this collection. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Got some killer star sparkle today! I’ve been dying to get my hands on @saratantlinger.bsky.social’s collection since she announced it and the wait is finally over! Cyanide Constellations has arrived.
Order your copy here: darkmattermagazine.shop/products/cya...
Order your copy here: darkmattermagazine.shop/products/cya...
October 29, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Got some killer star sparkle today! I’ve been dying to get my hands on @saratantlinger.bsky.social’s collection since she announced it and the wait is finally over! Cyanide Constellations has arrived.
Order your copy here: darkmattermagazine.shop/products/cya...
Order your copy here: darkmattermagazine.shop/products/cya...
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Be sure to preorder while it's still around 13 dollars (not including shipping)! You will save just over five dollars, the cost of a jug of salsa.
We're thrilled to announce that preorders for Violet Lichen's first novella are LIVE! Welcome to the world of @ivygrimes.bsky.social folk horror, THE CELLAR BELOW THE CELLAR 🔮🪆🌌
Full Announcement HERE: www.apexbookcompany.com/blogs/frontp...
Preorder HERE: www.apexbookcompany.com/products/the...
Full Announcement HERE: www.apexbookcompany.com/blogs/frontp...
Preorder HERE: www.apexbookcompany.com/products/the...
October 29, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Be sure to preorder while it's still around 13 dollars (not including shipping)! You will save just over five dollars, the cost of a jug of salsa.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
For many folks, money is tight and about to get tighter with the manufactured SNAP benefits crisis. As such, between now and the end of the month, I'm donating all Cursed Morsels store proceeds to @supplydepotmpls.bsky.social. Buy a book and support unhoused folks:
www.cursedmorselspress.com
www.cursedmorselspress.com
Home | Cursed Morsels Press
www.cursedmorselspress.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:20 PM
For many folks, money is tight and about to get tighter with the manufactured SNAP benefits crisis. As such, between now and the end of the month, I'm donating all Cursed Morsels store proceeds to @supplydepotmpls.bsky.social. Buy a book and support unhoused folks:
www.cursedmorselspress.com
www.cursedmorselspress.com
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
There's only ONE WEEK LEFT to fund Apex Magazine in 2026, and we JUST unlocked our 70% reward!!
The Apex editors will host a live affirmation critique of the Internet's most beloved amateur horror stories! 📸🌲🥩
🎃 Help us reach our funding goal and donate TODAY! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
The Apex editors will host a live affirmation critique of the Internet's most beloved amateur horror stories! 📸🌲🥩
🎃 Help us reach our funding goal and donate TODAY! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
October 23, 2025 at 3:43 PM
There's only ONE WEEK LEFT to fund Apex Magazine in 2026, and we JUST unlocked our 70% reward!!
The Apex editors will host a live affirmation critique of the Internet's most beloved amateur horror stories! 📸🌲🥩
🎃 Help us reach our funding goal and donate TODAY! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
The Apex editors will host a live affirmation critique of the Internet's most beloved amateur horror stories! 📸🌲🥩
🎃 Help us reach our funding goal and donate TODAY! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
This book is such a treat for all, but especially for people who were kids/teens in the ‘90s. An excellent Halloween season read 🎃 🍬
If you love spooky season and vintage vibes, a reminder that my novel 'Midnight on Beacon Street' is set in October 1993 🎃🍂
www.harpercollins.com/products/mid...
www.harpercollins.com/products/mid...
October 23, 2025 at 3:12 AM
This book is such a treat for all, but especially for people who were kids/teens in the ‘90s. An excellent Halloween season read 🎃 🍬
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
We're 8 DAYS AWAY from the end of our Kickstarter! ⏰❗❗
These final days will decide whether we can publish in 2026. YOUR support is what keeps us going, AND what keeps the great stories coming to your inbox!
Help Apex thrive and join our Kickstarter TODAY! 💜👽 www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
These final days will decide whether we can publish in 2026. YOUR support is what keeps us going, AND what keeps the great stories coming to your inbox!
Help Apex thrive and join our Kickstarter TODAY! 💜👽 www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
October 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
We're 8 DAYS AWAY from the end of our Kickstarter! ⏰❗❗
These final days will decide whether we can publish in 2026. YOUR support is what keeps us going, AND what keeps the great stories coming to your inbox!
Help Apex thrive and join our Kickstarter TODAY! 💜👽 www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
These final days will decide whether we can publish in 2026. YOUR support is what keeps us going, AND what keeps the great stories coming to your inbox!
Help Apex thrive and join our Kickstarter TODAY! 💜👽 www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...