Chris Willrich
@librariangoblin.bsky.social
SFF writer with work at Asimov's, BCS, Clarkesworld, F&SF, Lightspeed, Reactor, Strange Horizons, Tales from the Magician's Skull, Best American SF&F 2023. Books from Pyr and Paizo. He/him. The map in my profile image is by Rhys Davies.
Pinned
"Tyranny is the co-operation of parasite and host; no tyrant maintains himself by force but by trading on his victims' fears." -- Northrop Frye, _Fearful Symmetry_
Reposted by Chris Willrich
Reposted by Chris Willrich
It continues to be time to donate to support food banks.
November 10, 2025 at 3:12 AM
It continues to be time to donate to support food banks.
Reposted by Chris Willrich
I will not support a deal that does nothing to make health care more affordable.
We are in a health care emergency. A simple one-year extension of these tax credits would cost less than Donald Trump’s $40 billion bailout for Argentina.
A vote for this bill is a mistake.
We are in a health care emergency. A simple one-year extension of these tax credits would cost less than Donald Trump’s $40 billion bailout for Argentina.
A vote for this bill is a mistake.
November 10, 2025 at 1:06 AM
I will not support a deal that does nothing to make health care more affordable.
We are in a health care emergency. A simple one-year extension of these tax credits would cost less than Donald Trump’s $40 billion bailout for Argentina.
A vote for this bill is a mistake.
We are in a health care emergency. A simple one-year extension of these tax credits would cost less than Donald Trump’s $40 billion bailout for Argentina.
A vote for this bill is a mistake.
I was able to leave a phone message at Senator Padilla's San Francisco office (the D.C. office line wasn't taking messages.) I could only send email to Senator Schiff and minority leader Schumer. My basic message was "The stakes are much higher than my Thanksgiving air travel; hold the line."
Following up on this. This remains a ‘cave is minutes or hours away’ situation. If you want to impact how this plays out you need to contact senators literally now. I want to add additional points of context. What I’m relaying is what I’ve picked up from highly reliable sources.
Sounds like the squishes in the senate caucus are ready to pull the plug with no ACA changes. This is real. If you want to register your opinion you shld call yr senator in the next hour. They not only want to reopen w/nothing. They want cover from their colleagues who still want to hold out.
November 9, 2025 at 11:33 PM
I was able to leave a phone message at Senator Padilla's San Francisco office (the D.C. office line wasn't taking messages.) I could only send email to Senator Schiff and minority leader Schumer. My basic message was "The stakes are much higher than my Thanksgiving air travel; hold the line."
Reposted by Chris Willrich
This is part of the tragedy of a surrender now. It invites more pain and suffering by emboldening the regime. Why should they listen to a weak opposition?
Schumer and the Dems are about to teach Trump the lesson that they’ll cave whenever he abuses power to sufficiently hurt people.
November 9, 2025 at 9:46 PM
This is part of the tragedy of a surrender now. It invites more pain and suffering by emboldening the regime. Why should they listen to a weak opposition?
Reposted by Chris Willrich
My message to Chuck Schumer via web form since nobody is answering phones on a Sunday:
“I am hearing news of a weekend deal where Demcrats offer up enough votes to pass a CR with no conditions for ACA in exchange for a bag of magic beans (or the equivalent in terms of GOP promises)…
“I am hearing news of a weekend deal where Demcrats offer up enough votes to pass a CR with no conditions for ACA in exchange for a bag of magic beans (or the equivalent in terms of GOP promises)…
This is part of the tragedy of a surrender now. It invites more pain and suffering by emboldening the regime. Why should they listen to a weak opposition?
Schumer and the Dems are about to teach Trump the lesson that they’ll cave whenever he abuses power to sufficiently hurt people.
November 9, 2025 at 10:54 PM
My message to Chuck Schumer via web form since nobody is answering phones on a Sunday:
“I am hearing news of a weekend deal where Demcrats offer up enough votes to pass a CR with no conditions for ACA in exchange for a bag of magic beans (or the equivalent in terms of GOP promises)…
“I am hearing news of a weekend deal where Demcrats offer up enough votes to pass a CR with no conditions for ACA in exchange for a bag of magic beans (or the equivalent in terms of GOP promises)…
Reposted by Chris Willrich
Following up on this. This remains a ‘cave is minutes or hours away’ situation. If you want to impact how this plays out you need to contact senators literally now. I want to add additional points of context. What I’m relaying is what I’ve picked up from highly reliable sources.
Sounds like the squishes in the senate caucus are ready to pull the plug with no ACA changes. This is real. If you want to register your opinion you shld call yr senator in the next hour. They not only want to reopen w/nothing. They want cover from their colleagues who still want to hold out.
November 9, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Following up on this. This remains a ‘cave is minutes or hours away’ situation. If you want to impact how this plays out you need to contact senators literally now. I want to add additional points of context. What I’m relaying is what I’ve picked up from highly reliable sources.
Reposted by Chris Willrich
Hey! Sort of a surprise new story day. @undertow.bsky.social is making my novelette, "Uncertain Sons," (original to the collection) available online for a short time for folks catching up on end-of-year reading. Eligible for most novelette/long fiction categories. Online until end of November!
Uncertain Sons — Undertow Publications
undertowpublications.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Hey! Sort of a surprise new story day. @undertow.bsky.social is making my novelette, "Uncertain Sons," (original to the collection) available online for a short time for folks catching up on end-of-year reading. Eligible for most novelette/long fiction categories. Online until end of November!
Reposted by Chris Willrich
I swear there’s an amendment about this…don’t tell me, it’s on the tip of my tongue…
“Federal authorities told demonstrators Friday that there would be ‘no more prayer’ in front of or inside the Broadview ICE facility, in a move that mystified local leaders and raised legal questions.” blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/07/f...
Feds Tell Faith Leaders 'No More Prayer' Outside Broadview Facility
In a possible violation of the First Amendment, federal officials instructed demonstrators to stop holding religious gatherings outside the immigration processing facility in suburban Broadview after ...
blockclubchicago.org
November 8, 2025 at 6:52 PM
I swear there’s an amendment about this…don’t tell me, it’s on the tip of my tongue…
Reposted by Chris Willrich
New — While some states have received SNAP benefits for November and USDA is supposedly pushing through all federal payments soon, that doesn’t erase the psychological terror of the last few weeks.
I spoke with 20+ SNAP recipients in 16 states about preparing for a possible future with no food:
I spoke with 20+ SNAP recipients in 16 states about preparing for a possible future with no food:
The voices of SNAP
Recipients have become political pawns. They explained, in their own words, what Trump withholding funds has been like.
www.thehandbasket.co
November 7, 2025 at 10:55 PM
New — While some states have received SNAP benefits for November and USDA is supposedly pushing through all federal payments soon, that doesn’t erase the psychological terror of the last few weeks.
I spoke with 20+ SNAP recipients in 16 states about preparing for a possible future with no food:
I spoke with 20+ SNAP recipients in 16 states about preparing for a possible future with no food:
Reposted by Chris Willrich
Sharing this heartbreaking news about Celeste Rita Baker (CW '19). Her warmth and voice, love and mentorship will be greatly missed.
Heartbroken to say the least. My dear friend and CW classmate Celeste Rita Baker has passed away. Words aren't enough to describe what an amazing, talented, warm, and loving human being she was. The world is so much emptier now. 💔
November 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Sharing this heartbreaking news about Celeste Rita Baker (CW '19). Her warmth and voice, love and mentorship will be greatly missed.
Meanwhile local food banks can use our help. Here's a matching challenge if you live in Silicon Valley:
Per the county website, Santa Clara County is working with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley as federal money for food benefits is delayed. @2ndharvest.bsky.social says donations received by Nov. 27 are matched up to $500,000 thanks to the Strongpoint Fund and an anonymous donor. See www.shfb.org
Home
Help Second Harvest end hunger and support those in need. Join us today to make a real difference in your community, or find food near you.
www.shfb.org
November 7, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Meanwhile local food banks can use our help. Here's a matching challenge if you live in Silicon Valley:
A petition via Moveon.org to tell USDA to use the SNAP contingency fund to keep food assistance programs funded during the government shutdown: sign.moveon.org/petitions/st...
Stop Playing Politics With Food Assistance Programs
USDA must use the SNAP contingency fund to keep food assistance programs funded during the government shutdown as is required by law and has been done in every other government shutdown in modern hist...
sign.moveon.org
November 7, 2025 at 10:26 PM
A petition via Moveon.org to tell USDA to use the SNAP contingency fund to keep food assistance programs funded during the government shutdown: sign.moveon.org/petitions/st...
Reposted by Chris Willrich
If you subscribe to BCS, you get to read my crow story TODAY!
New @bcsmagazine.bsky.social issue today has stories by @marissalingen.bsky.social and @davidmarinowrites.bsky.social! weightlessbooks.com/beneath-ceas...
Beneath Ceaseless Skies Issue #445
Issue #445 of Beneath Ceaseless Skies online magazine, featuring stories by Marissa Lingen and David Marino and cover art by Bruce Brenneise.
weightlessbooks.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:33 PM
If you subscribe to BCS, you get to read my crow story TODAY!
Reposted by Chris Willrich
Be brave. Work hard. Win big.
All gas. No breaks to 2026.
All gas. No breaks to 2026.
November 6, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Be brave. Work hard. Win big.
All gas. No breaks to 2026.
All gas. No breaks to 2026.
Reposted by Chris Willrich
In 2021, a 2-point victory (50.6%–48.6%) by a Republican in the Virginia gov race meant Republicans had “schooled the left” and “Democrats [were] in trouble.”
Last night, a Democrat trounced the Republican in the VA gov race by 15 points (57.5%–42.3%). Any comment on that from Douthat or Stephens?
Last night, a Democrat trounced the Republican in the VA gov race by 15 points (57.5%–42.3%). Any comment on that from Douthat or Stephens?
November 5, 2025 at 9:59 PM
In 2021, a 2-point victory (50.6%–48.6%) by a Republican in the Virginia gov race meant Republicans had “schooled the left” and “Democrats [were] in trouble.”
Last night, a Democrat trounced the Republican in the VA gov race by 15 points (57.5%–42.3%). Any comment on that from Douthat or Stephens?
Last night, a Democrat trounced the Republican in the VA gov race by 15 points (57.5%–42.3%). Any comment on that from Douthat or Stephens?
I recently learned about boltsmag.org via @digby56.bsky.social , and it's a great source for news about yesterday's election. They are also on Bluesky: @boltsmag.org
Bolts
Bolts is a digital publication that covers the nuts and bolts of power and political change, from the local up.
boltsmag.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:03 PM
I recently learned about boltsmag.org via @digby56.bsky.social , and it's a great source for news about yesterday's election. They are also on Bluesky: @boltsmag.org
I'd also like to give a shoutout for the fantastic Kate Baker's narration of "The Odyssey Problem" for @clarkesworldmagazine.com back in 2022. Audio here: clarkesworldmagazine.com/audio_06_22c/
The Odyssey Problem by Chris Willrich (audio)
Clarkesworld Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine and Podcast.
clarkesworldmagazine.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:01 PM
I'd also like to give a shoutout for the fantastic Kate Baker's narration of "The Odyssey Problem" for @clarkesworldmagazine.com back in 2022. Audio here: clarkesworldmagazine.com/audio_06_22c/
I'm thrilled to have one of my stories read by @wilwheaton.net for his podcast "It's Storytime with Wil Wheaton." The most recent story on the show is "The Odyssey Problem" from @clarkesworldmagazine.com . Here's the "Storytime" main page with links to listening options: wilwheaton.net/podcast/
It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton
You may recognize Wil Wheaton’s name from his acting work in television shows like The Big Bang Theory, Leverage, and Star Trek: The Next Generation, or 1985’s timeless classic, Stand B…
wilwheaton.net
November 5, 2025 at 8:36 PM
I'm thrilled to have one of my stories read by @wilwheaton.net for his podcast "It's Storytime with Wil Wheaton." The most recent story on the show is "The Odyssey Problem" from @clarkesworldmagazine.com . Here's the "Storytime" main page with links to listening options: wilwheaton.net/podcast/
I'm delighted that my story "Nine Billion Turing Tests" from @reactorsff.bsky.social has been reprinted in not one, but two cool anthologies recently, first in The Year's Top Robot and AI Stories, edited by Allan Kaster (www.infinivoxsf.com/product-page...) ... (1/2)
The Year's Top Robot and AI Stories: 6th Annual Collection | Infinivox SF
Paperback edition of The Year's Top Robot and AI Stories: Sixth Annual Collection (286 pages).
www.infinivoxsf.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:27 PM
I'm delighted that my story "Nine Billion Turing Tests" from @reactorsff.bsky.social has been reprinted in not one, but two cool anthologies recently, first in The Year's Top Robot and AI Stories, edited by Allan Kaster (www.infinivoxsf.com/product-page...) ... (1/2)
Reposted by Chris Willrich
Union baristas are calling on allies to STOP BUYING STARBUCKS if we go on ULP strike. If our communities stand with us in action, we can take back power from the billionaires & CEOs.
nocontractnocoffee.org
nocontractnocoffee.org
No Contract, No Coffee | Starbucks Workers United
Starbucks baristas brewing change. Join the movement for fair contracts, better wages, and worker protections.
nocontractnocoffee.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Union baristas are calling on allies to STOP BUYING STARBUCKS if we go on ULP strike. If our communities stand with us in action, we can take back power from the billionaires & CEOs.
nocontractnocoffee.org
nocontractnocoffee.org
Reposted by Chris Willrich
Senator Murphy is correct: It’s clear that the American people want Democrats to keep fighting for them.
Thank your Democratic senator(s) for fighting hard to keep healthcare costs down and urge them to keep holding the line to protect healthcare for millions: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
Thank your Democratic senator(s) for fighting hard to keep healthcare costs down and urge them to keep holding the line to protect healthcare for millions: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
November 5, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Senator Murphy is correct: It’s clear that the American people want Democrats to keep fighting for them.
Thank your Democratic senator(s) for fighting hard to keep healthcare costs down and urge them to keep holding the line to protect healthcare for millions: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
Thank your Democratic senator(s) for fighting hard to keep healthcare costs down and urge them to keep holding the line to protect healthcare for millions: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
Reposted by Chris Willrich
Have been on airplanes, and out of news range, since early this afternoon.
And just now turning on news of election results. Wow wow wow.
(Showing restraint by not going into relentless "Dems in disarray" "Need a new message" MSM drumbeat.)
Congrats to all who stood up and stood together.
And just now turning on news of election results. Wow wow wow.
(Showing restraint by not going into relentless "Dems in disarray" "Need a new message" MSM drumbeat.)
Congrats to all who stood up and stood together.
November 5, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Have been on airplanes, and out of news range, since early this afternoon.
And just now turning on news of election results. Wow wow wow.
(Showing restraint by not going into relentless "Dems in disarray" "Need a new message" MSM drumbeat.)
Congrats to all who stood up and stood together.
And just now turning on news of election results. Wow wow wow.
(Showing restraint by not going into relentless "Dems in disarray" "Need a new message" MSM drumbeat.)
Congrats to all who stood up and stood together.
(Thread, cross posted with Linkedin.)
I voted for Proposition 50. I hope other Californians will agree.
Cards on the table: I’ve been a Democrat since (if I remember correctly) 2001. Before that I was an independent, and sometimes voted Republican. I did vote for California's ... (1/1)
I voted for Proposition 50. I hope other Californians will agree.
Cards on the table: I’ve been a Democrat since (if I remember correctly) 2001. Before that I was an independent, and sometimes voted Republican. I did vote for California's ... (1/1)
November 4, 2025 at 6:23 PM
(Thread, cross posted with Linkedin.)
I voted for Proposition 50. I hope other Californians will agree.
Cards on the table: I’ve been a Democrat since (if I remember correctly) 2001. Before that I was an independent, and sometimes voted Republican. I did vote for California's ... (1/1)
I voted for Proposition 50. I hope other Californians will agree.
Cards on the table: I’ve been a Democrat since (if I remember correctly) 2001. Before that I was an independent, and sometimes voted Republican. I did vote for California's ... (1/1)
Just want to urge anyone in the U.S. eligible to vote for anything at all this election cycle to please do so. Shock everyone with the turnout. Make jaded pundits cough coffee out their noses. Make poll volunteers smile. Make voter suppressors nervous again.
November 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Just want to urge anyone in the U.S. eligible to vote for anything at all this election cycle to please do so. Shock everyone with the turnout. Make jaded pundits cough coffee out their noses. Make poll volunteers smile. Make voter suppressors nervous again.