Mary Robinette Kowal
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maryrobinettekowal.com
Mary Robinette Kowal
@maryrobinettekowal.com
32K followers 630 following 4.8K posts
Hugo Award-winning author, narrator, and professional puppeteer. Also has a talking cat. My latest title, Apprehension, is available wherever books are sold.
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maryrobinettekowal.com
Between now and midnight ET on Dec 2, I'm offering a discounted price on my Patreon tiers. Read unpublished stories, ask me questions, attend live-streamed classes, and get weekly accountability to put words on the page. Use code LETSGO to save 30% on your first month: patreon.com/maryrobinette
Over a black background the words, "Black Friday 30% off. Use the code LETSGO to get 30% off your first month of any tier of Mary Robinette Kowal's Patreon. Now through Tuesday, December 2 at 11:59 PM ET. Patreon.com/maryrobinette." Over a black background, the words in yellow: "Patreon Tiers on Sale 30% off first month with code LETSGO" In blue: "For Readers" and a strikethrough of "$5.00" followed by "now $3.50". In white text: "Exclusive access to works in progress and other unreleased stories, including an entire unpublished urban fantasy novel." In blue text: "Q&A" with a strikethrough: "$15.00" followed by "now $10.50" In white text: "Join me for a monthly Ask Me Anything session. Questions can cover writing, teaching a cat to talk with buttons, puppets, crochet... anything goes! You'll also receive access to the Reader content." Over a black background, in yellow text: "Patreon Tiers on Sale 30% off first month with code LETSGO" Blue text: "Live-Streaming Classes." With a strikethrough: "30.00" followed by "now $21.00" In white text: "Attend a monthly writing class, taught by myself or a guest instructor who's an expert on the topic. You'll also get access to the back catalog of 70 hours of prior classes." In blue text: "Make Me Write." With a strikethrough: "$150.00" followed by "now $105.00" In white text: "Meet with me weekly, in a group setting, to unpack challenges, celebrate successes, and participate in writing sprints." A white text box over a black background. The text inside says, "“Since joining Mary Robinette's Patreon, my writing skills have taken off. I'm more able to diagnose story problems, to get stories across the finish line, and to create stories out of thin air. It's AWESOME. I'm a big fan of Make Me Write sessions on Sunday and the Q&A times. “Mary Robinette is incredibly generous with her expertise and her time.” The quote is attributed to Tara King, with a photo and the URL Patreon.com/maryrobinette
November 28, 2025 at 2:50 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
My final Patreon Q&A of the year is on Tuesday, December 2nd at 8 PM ET. Come with any question, and I'll answer it. Puppetry, writing novels, navigating creativity with ADHD and depression, working with agents and editors, audiobook narration, talking cats... you name it. patreon.com/maryrobinette
Over a purple background with yellow stars is a photo of Mary Robinette Kowal holding books, under which is the text, "Ask Me Anything, Tuesday, December 2nd at 8 PM ET on Patreon"
November 26, 2025 at 1:12 AM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Writers: If you've been working on a piece for a while and you aren't sure if it still needs more tweaks, or if you've entered the anxiety-editing phase, Monday's Patreon class is for you. To attend with a free 7-day trial, choose the Livestreaming Classes tier or above. patreon.com/maryrobinette
In addition to a photo of Mary Robinette, the text says, "How Do I Know I'm Done? A class for writers available to Patreon subscribers at the 'Livestreaming Classes' tier, Monday, Nov 24, 8 PM EST. Patreon.com/maryrobinette"
November 21, 2025 at 9:16 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Members of my Patreon get fun extras from time to time, such as the chance to beta read my current works in progress. To read along as I write a new novella starring Elsie, join my Patreon at any paid membership tier (starts at $5). patreon.com/maryrobinette
White text over a black background. The title is, "Beta read SF novella: What the Cat Saw" The text says: "Hi folks, I'm working on a novella starring Elsie and I'm looking for folks who are interested in reading along with me as I work. Here's a teaser. The trouble with being a tiny cat was that all the controls on the bridge of the Interstellar Spaceship Iguanodon had been optimized for humans. Not just the controls. The entire ship had been designed for human height and vision. And thumbs. Which was why Dr. Elsie MacGill, fourth of her name, sat on a table beside the navigator's chair instead of at the controls herself. She could use the touch screen but it had not been designed with her in mind. Booping controls with her nose was annoying."
November 19, 2025 at 7:04 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Throwback photos from the New York + Brooklyn portion of @sentencebender.bsky.social 's and my book tour for Apprehension and Red Star Hustle. Thanks so much to @twistedspinebooks.bsky.social for hosting us.
Mary Robinette Kowal holding a copy of Apprehension with New York skyline in the background Sam J Miller reading to a seated audience in a bookstore Sam J Miller reading to a seated audience in a bookstore
November 19, 2025 at 6:16 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Do you have Labor Day plans for 2026? Join @writingexcuses.bsky.social for our last annual (for now!) writing retreat on a cruise ship. We'll sail out of Seattle and visit Alaska and BC in the best of company. Learn more and register or apply for a scholarship: writingexcuses.com/retreats/
November 18, 2025 at 5:21 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I made it to Cincinnati via train! It takes sooo much longer than plane, but it was a truly lovely trip and is a far more reliable form of transportation at the moment. I am looking forward to attending Books by the Banks tomorrow. Here is the schedule for this free event: booksbythebanks.org
Mary Robinette Kowal sits on the train with her finger to her mouth as she looks at her laptop. Out the window is a cityscape.
November 14, 2025 at 10:57 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Cincinnati, I'll see you this weekend! I am currently en route to participate in the Books by the Banks book festival, where I'll be signing and speaking with fans and readers. The festival is free. Learn more here: booksbythebanks.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:39 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I'm delighted to be at @halconscificon.bsky.social in Halifax, NS this weekend, chatting with fans and signing books. Please say hello! The full schedule can be found at hal-con.com.
A photo of Mary Robinette Kowal holding books beside the Hal-Con logo. Underneath it says, "Mary Robinette Kowal will be a guest at Hal-Con, November 7-9, 2025, Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, NS. Tickets for Hal-Con are sold out, but you can still get tickets for the Discovery Gala." This is the schedule for Mary Robinette during Hal-Con. It says: Friday, Nov 7, 1:00 pm AST, Signing; 2:45 pm AST, In Conversation with Mary Robinette Kowal; 4:15pm AST, Signing. Saturday, November 8: 11:00am AST, Signing; 2:30pm AST, Signing; 4:45 pm AST, The Apocalypse and the Aftermath: The World's Ending, What's Next?; 6:00pm AST, Signing. Sunday, November 9: 10:30am AST, Signing; 1:00pm AST Humor as Coping Mechanism: Writing the Sarcastic Protagonist; 3:15pm AST, Signing."
November 7, 2025 at 10:30 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
It's out last joint book tour stop! Please come see @sentencebender.bsky.social and me at @boulderbookstore.bsky.social in Boulder, CO tonight at 6:30 PM MT. Pick up your $5 ticket here (it becomes a $5 coupon to spend in store): maryrobinettekowal.com/events/book-...
A detailed flyer with information about the Boulder Bookstore stop. The text says: "Boulder Bookstore Presents: Mary Robinette Kowal & Sam J. Miller, authors of Apprehension / Red Star Hustle. Tuesday, November 4th at 6:30 PM. Tickets: $5 (+ a small processing fee). Tickets include a coupon for $5 off Apprehension / Red Star Hustle, or a purchase on the event day. The coupon will be distributed at the store. For more information and to purchase tickets: KowalMillerBBS.eventbrite.com 1107 Pearl Street - 303.447.2074 - www.boulderbookstore.net." There are also two paragraphs, one about each book, plus photos of Mary Robinette and images of the two book covers.
November 4, 2025 at 6:01 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Tonight (Nov 3) at @powells.bsky.social at Cedar Hills Crossing. At 7 PM PST, @sentencebender.bsky.social and I will delight and entertain you! www.powells.com/events/mary-... Let me know in the comments if you're planning to come by.
Over an orange-red background, the logo of Powell's Books: "Mary Robinette Kowal and Sam J. Miller. Powell's at Cedar Hills. Monday, Nov. 3, 7 PM." There are photos of each author and their Apprehension/Red Star Hustle book covers.
November 3, 2025 at 2:56 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
A calico cat wearing bat wings and devil horns that are worth wearing in exchange for a treat
November 1, 2025 at 3:29 AM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Elsie and I are en route to Seattle for the Sea-Meow Convention this weekend. Needless to say, I'm delighted I'm now being asked to integrate Elsie and my experiences with talking non-human animals into my repertoire of speaking topics. www.seameowconvention.com
Over a solid purple background is the words "Meet & Greet Schedule." On Saturday, there are bubbles with photos: Nathan & Sterling, 11:45 - 12:45 PM. thecatluminati 1:00 - 2:00 PM. Mary Robinette Kowal (mom of @elsiewants) 3:00 - 4:00 PM. Then on Sunday, thecatluminati is from 12:30 - 1:30 PM, and Two Crazy Cat Ladies are from 1:40 - 2:40 PM.
October 31, 2025 at 5:13 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
@eagleeyebooks.bsky.social thank you so much for hosting @sentencebender.bsky.social and me. We had a lovely time! Catch us on the rest of the tour: maryrobinettekowal.com/journal/appr...
Photo of the gathering at Eagle Eye Book Shop. The crowd is seated and holding up their copies of the book. In the middle is Lisa Yaszek, Sam J. Miller, and Mary Robinette Kowal, all standing. In the background are Mary Robinette and Sam talking. Amid the bookshelves and crowd, there is a sign hanging that says "Best Sellers." Foreground, out of focus: the back of the audience's heads. Midground, in focus: Mary Robinette Kowal and Sam J. Miller, seated and in conversation looking at each other. In the background, bookshelves filled with colorful book covers.
October 30, 2025 at 2:15 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
This made @sentencebender.bsky.social 's and my morning! Red Star Hustle and Apprehension are USA TODAY bestsellers. Thank you for all your support. It's my second time in 2025 to have a title on this list. Amazing. www.usatoday.com/booklist/boo...
Over a background of a star over a purple-pink ombre, the text "USA TODAY's Best-selling Booklist" with their logo. Then it has the book cover of Apprehension and says "Red Star Hustle / Apprehension, by Kowal, Mary Robinette, Miller, Sam J. Genre: Science-Fiction - Crime & Mystery, Science-Fiction - Space Exploration. Published: October 21, 2025. Two expertly crafted crime stories set in a far-future science fiction universe, from two award-winning authors known for their gripping plots and unforgettable characters--a short novel and a long novella that will thrill fans of space adventures, mystery, and intergalactic intrigue in this Saga Double." There are also some purchase buttons and social share icons.
October 29, 2025 at 5:36 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Cincinnati, mark your calendar for the November 15th Books by the Banks Festival at the Main Branch Library (800 Vine Street). The event is free and open to the public. If you think you'll be there, let me know in the comments. I'm very much looking forward to seeing you. booksbythebanks.org
The "Books by the Banks" logo over a blue background. The words "Saturday, November 15th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm." And then the words "Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, Main Branch, 800 Vine Street."
October 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I'm delighted to be a guest author at @halconscificon.bsky.social, November 7-9, and I'll be joining @chuckwendig.bsky.social and @waub.bsky.social on a panel about the END OF THE WORLD (in fiction, naturally). If you're attending HAL-CON, please drop by the panel or one of my signings.
The image includes the Hal-Con logo as well as a photo of Mary Robinette Kowal holding books. The text says: "Mary Robinette Kowal will be a guest at HAL-CON. November 7-9, 2025. Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, NS. Tickets for Hal-Con are sold out, but you can still get tickets for the Discovery Gala." At the bottom is a banner with the URL: https://hal-con.com.
October 24, 2025 at 9:10 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
“Together, these stories [Apprehension and Red Star Hustle] deliver a dynamic mix of espionage, emotion, and electrifying worldbuilding.” -What Is That Book About.

Well, that just made my day. How about you, @sentencebender.bsky.social ?

www.whatisthatbookabout.com/promos/2025/...
Over an abstract purlpe and orange background, the quote, "Together, these stories deliver a dynamic mix of espionage, emotion, and electrifying worldbuilding." The quote is attributed to "What Is That Book About." And there is an image of the two-cover book of Apprehension and Red Star Hustle.
October 21, 2025 at 9:13 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Tomorrow (Oct 22 at 7:30 PM ET), the in-person portion of the book tour for Apprehension + Red Star Hustle begins in Brooklyn, NY at @twistedspinebooks.bsky.social. @sentencebender.bsky.social and I will be there to sign your copy. Pick up your ticket here: www.eventbrite.com/e/apprehensi...
Over a black background with a purple frame, "The Twisted Spine Presents: A celebration of the new Saga Double Release! Apprehension / Red Star Hustle. Wed Oct 22, 7:30 PM, 306 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY." There's also labeled photos of Mary Robinette Kowal and Sam J. Miller, as well as the covers of both books.
October 21, 2025 at 8:40 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Apprehension and Red Star Hustle will be in your hands tomorrow, October 21st! And tonight kicks off our book tour. We'll start with a virtual event, then be in New York, Atlanta, Washington DC, Houston, Portland OR, and Boulder. And Sam will be in San Diego. maryrobinettekowal.com/journal/appr...
Along with an image of the double-cover book and photos of Sam and Mary Robinette is the Apprehension + Red Star Hustle Book Tour Schedule: Oct 20, 6 PM PT, Virtual: Poisoned Pen. Oct 22, 7:30 PM ET, NYC: Twisted Spine. Oct 28, 7 PM ET, Atlanta: Eagle Eye Books. Oct 29, 7 PM ET, DC: Little District Bookstore. Oct 30, 6:30 PM CT, Houston, Murder by the Book. Nov 3, 7 PM PT, Portland: Powell's at Cedar Hills Crossing. Nov 4, 6:30 PM MT, Boulder: Boulder Bookstore. Nov 5, 7 PM PT, San Diego: Mysterious Galaxy (Sam only).
October 20, 2025 at 7:46 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
That about sums it up! Thanks for the write-up on Apprehension and Red Star Hustle, @literaryhub.bsky.social - @sentencebender.bsky.social and I are honored! There are lots of great new titles on this list, if you're looking to boost your TBR list: lithub.com/cannibal-sor...
Over a purple-to-pink ombre is the text, "A fun mix of 'wrong place wrong time' premises intertwined with grief and heartbreak, and secret pasts and wormholes." -Natalie Zutter, Literary Hub. There's also a digital mock-up of the double-covered book, Apprehension by Mary Robinette Kowal and Red Star Hustle by Sam J. Miller.
October 20, 2025 at 7:31 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Tonight, Monday, October 20 at 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT / 7 PM MDT / 6 PM MST and PT, @sentencebender.bsky.social and I will be joining @poisonedpen.bsky.social for a virtual launch party for Apprehension and Red Star Hustle. Please join us! Free + viewable on FB and YT: calendar.time.ly/9plshfqx/pos...
October 20, 2025 at 7:13 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I will be at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville this weekend. Who else will be there?

My session with @shereereneethomas.bsky.social will take place on Saturday, October 18 at 1 PM, followed by a signing.

Schedule and more info about this free festival: www.sofestofbooks.org
The banner says "This Weekend! Find me at the festival!" Beyind it is a pile of larger-than-life books with people standing and sitting all over them. The text says, "Vanderbilt University presents the 37th annual Southern Festival of Books: A program of Humanities Tennessee. October 18 & 19, 2025, Nashville, TN."
October 17, 2025 at 8:51 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
I'm a little bit absurdly excited to be attending the Sea-Meow cat convention in Seattle on November 1-2. I have a spot in the programming to chat (pun intended) about my journey with Elsie, the tiny talking tyrant (ahem, I mean, cat) who lives with me. www.seameowconvention.com
The logo for "Sea-Meow Convention" includes a cat holding fish and coffee with tentacles, with a raincloud overhead. The dates are November 1-2, 2026 in Seattle, WA. There's also a picture of Mary Robinette Kowal and Elsie the cat.
October 14, 2025 at 10:13 PM
maryrobinettekowal.com
Houston: We are heading your way! @sentencebender.bsky.social and I will be at @murderbooks.bsky.social on Thursday, October 30 at 6:30 PM CT to read to you, entertain you, and sign your books! Preorder required to attend: maryrobinettekowal.com/events/book-...
Over an abstract purple and gold background are the words, "Mary Robinette Kowa and Sam J. Miller. Thursday, October 30th, 6:30 PM CT. Murder by the Book, Houston, TX." along with the cover of the double-sided book, Apprehension and Red Star Hustle.
October 14, 2025 at 9:36 PM