Steve Hugh Westenra
@stevewestenra.bsky.social
Dr. Monster (PhD)
E-mail: stevehughwestenraATprotonDOTme
Author of questionable taste. Words in New Edge Sword & Sorcery. Trans. Book reviewer. #SFINCS judge. #SFFChat Academic expert on monsters. HWA. He/him
linktr.ee/SteveWestenra
NO AI
E-mail: stevehughwestenraATprotonDOTme
Author of questionable taste. Words in New Edge Sword & Sorcery. Trans. Book reviewer. #SFINCS judge. #SFFChat Academic expert on monsters. HWA. He/him
linktr.ee/SteveWestenra
NO AI
Pinned
Remaking my pinned to include my Itchio!
If you're looking for a #queerbook by a #transauthor, I have two published novels.
Itchio: steve-westenra.itch.io
The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle (wide + paperback): books2read.com/u/boB9YL
The Wings of Ashtaroth (eBook): books2read.com/u/49dn8Y
#pridereads 🌈📚
If you're looking for a #queerbook by a #transauthor, I have two published novels.
Itchio: steve-westenra.itch.io
The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle (wide + paperback): books2read.com/u/boB9YL
The Wings of Ashtaroth (eBook): books2read.com/u/49dn8Y
#pridereads 🌈📚
Sleepy today. D :
November 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Sleepy today. D :
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Have y'all seen the cover for Invasive yet?
I've been quietly uploading it everywhere but this is the official reveal.
This was made by my designer @evensong.bsky.social. She and I worked together to get the Eosian forest looking just as I described it. There are a couple tiny details to find!
I've been quietly uploading it everywhere but this is the official reveal.
This was made by my designer @evensong.bsky.social. She and I worked together to get the Eosian forest looking just as I described it. There are a couple tiny details to find!
November 10, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Have y'all seen the cover for Invasive yet?
I've been quietly uploading it everywhere but this is the official reveal.
This was made by my designer @evensong.bsky.social. She and I worked together to get the Eosian forest looking just as I described it. There are a couple tiny details to find!
I've been quietly uploading it everywhere but this is the official reveal.
This was made by my designer @evensong.bsky.social. She and I worked together to get the Eosian forest looking just as I described it. There are a couple tiny details to find!
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Been a while, enough for the name and pronouns on the GFM to become outdated 😅 However, thanks to your donations, I've been able to book a surgery date and get a more accurate cost estimate, lowering the overall goal.
Please help me meet it before Jun 18!
gofund.me/8749cfb86
Please help me meet it before Jun 18!
gofund.me/8749cfb86
Donate to Help Emma Get Gender-Affirming Surgery, organized by Em Zakharuk
UPD: Thanks to your generosity, I've been able to book a surgery date. Please help … Em Zakharuk needs your support for Help Emma Get Gender-Affirming Surgery
gofund.me
November 10, 2025 at 2:14 PM
#WIPSnips - "Local"
A little Tyler-style snark for today's!
Art by bsky.app/profile/litt...
Find the book here! books2read.com/u/boB9YL
Itchio: itch.io/b/3352/trans...
#indiehorror #queerhorror #transhorror
A little Tyler-style snark for today's!
Art by bsky.app/profile/litt...
Find the book here! books2read.com/u/boB9YL
Itchio: itch.io/b/3352/trans...
#indiehorror #queerhorror #transhorror
November 10, 2025 at 2:55 PM
#WIPSnips - "Local"
A little Tyler-style snark for today's!
Art by bsky.app/profile/litt...
Find the book here! books2read.com/u/boB9YL
Itchio: itch.io/b/3352/trans...
#indiehorror #queerhorror #transhorror
A little Tyler-style snark for today's!
Art by bsky.app/profile/litt...
Find the book here! books2read.com/u/boB9YL
Itchio: itch.io/b/3352/trans...
#indiehorror #queerhorror #transhorror
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Okay, it's Monday so time for another push for ratings!
Before the end of the year, can we get Zoo to 50, WBRG to 30, and October Music to 10? More for Boddicker would be killer too, but I like round numbers.
Before the end of the year, can we get Zoo to 50, WBRG to 30, and October Music to 10? More for Boddicker would be killer too, but I like round numbers.
November 10, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Okay, it's Monday so time for another push for ratings!
Before the end of the year, can we get Zoo to 50, WBRG to 30, and October Music to 10? More for Boddicker would be killer too, but I like round numbers.
Before the end of the year, can we get Zoo to 50, WBRG to 30, and October Music to 10? More for Boddicker would be killer too, but I like round numbers.
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
‼️‼️ #BookSky
SPSFC is still taking entries for its next round AND looking for judges, too! ✨
#BookSky #scifi
spsfc.space/2025/11/07/l...
#BookSky #scifi
spsfc.space/2025/11/07/l...
Last Call for SPSFC 5 Entries
This Sunday November 9 is the last day to submit a book to the fifth Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC). The contest is open to first-time entries and to resubmissions of novels tha…
spsfc.space
November 9, 2025 at 10:20 PM
‼️‼️ #BookSky
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
What’s everyone reading this weekend?
I’ve finally been reading The Exile of Zanzibar by Daniel Maidman @danielmaidman.bsky.social
It’s terrific!
I’ve finally been reading The Exile of Zanzibar by Daniel Maidman @danielmaidman.bsky.social
It’s terrific!
November 9, 2025 at 5:49 PM
What’s everyone reading this weekend?
I’ve finally been reading The Exile of Zanzibar by Daniel Maidman @danielmaidman.bsky.social
It’s terrific!
I’ve finally been reading The Exile of Zanzibar by Daniel Maidman @danielmaidman.bsky.social
It’s terrific!
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
We're starting the day with a fantastic guest post by @angelaboord.bsky.social on the subject of how reading books can help with author burn out, and why we should be reading more:
www.readindiefantasy.com/guest-post-h...
#AMoRaR
www.readindiefantasy.com/guest-post-h...
#AMoRaR
November 6, 2025 at 10:13 AM
We're starting the day with a fantastic guest post by @angelaboord.bsky.social on the subject of how reading books can help with author burn out, and why we should be reading more:
www.readindiefantasy.com/guest-post-h...
#AMoRaR
www.readindiefantasy.com/guest-post-h...
#AMoRaR
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Reminder: I have an ongoing dark fantasy series about a young woman who wants to become a monster killer! It has blood magic, a curse that turns people into monsters, and more!
I *also* have a novella about a guy who makes a pact with a chaotic god to escape from hired killers.
💙📚
I *also* have a novella about a guy who makes a pact with a chaotic god to escape from hired killers.
💙📚
November 6, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Reminder: I have an ongoing dark fantasy series about a young woman who wants to become a monster killer! It has blood magic, a curse that turns people into monsters, and more!
I *also* have a novella about a guy who makes a pact with a chaotic god to escape from hired killers.
💙📚
I *also* have a novella about a guy who makes a pact with a chaotic god to escape from hired killers.
💙📚
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
I've got another #SFINCS review for you, folks!
I don't often read horror, but stories like these definitely make me think I should delve into the genre more.
Full review ⬇️
weirdereviews.blogspot.com/2025/11/reap...
I don't often read horror, but stories like these definitely make me think I should delve into the genre more.
Full review ⬇️
weirdereviews.blogspot.com/2025/11/reap...
November 6, 2025 at 5:39 PM
I've got another #SFINCS review for you, folks!
I don't often read horror, but stories like these definitely make me think I should delve into the genre more.
Full review ⬇️
weirdereviews.blogspot.com/2025/11/reap...
I don't often read horror, but stories like these definitely make me think I should delve into the genre more.
Full review ⬇️
weirdereviews.blogspot.com/2025/11/reap...
If you love worldbuilding, this looks like a fabulous opportunity!
Very excited about this...
Want to learn more about semiotic analysis and cultural research - and how to apply them to your writing projects and practice?
Come join me and @alexdavis1981.bsky.social, and we can make it so!
Want to learn more about semiotic analysis and cultural research - and how to apply them to your writing projects and practice?
Come join me and @alexdavis1981.bsky.social, and we can make it so!
Semiotics for Storytelling with Dr Nat Edwards
A three-week course exploring the world of semiotics and the impact it can have on your storytelling.
www.eventbrite.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:23 PM
If you love worldbuilding, this looks like a fabulous opportunity!
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
#Bookvember 6. I'll mention one I read recently: The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword, written by @williamjadams3.bsky.social and with art by Dewey Conway. And fantastic illustrations those were, providing another layer to the story and those amusing, quirky characters we're following!
November 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
#Bookvember 6. I'll mention one I read recently: The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword, written by @williamjadams3.bsky.social and with art by Dewey Conway. And fantastic illustrations those were, providing another layer to the story and those amusing, quirky characters we're following!
November 6, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Thanks for hosting! In a rare moment of caffeination, I was semi-awake enough to do the morning session.
I'm currently writing a book called Oath and Memory, but I also wrote a book that has very little to do with memory. It does have wizards, swordfights, and Lovecraftian horrors though! #SffChat
I'm currently writing a book called Oath and Memory, but I also wrote a book that has very little to do with memory. It does have wizards, swordfights, and Lovecraftian horrors though! #SffChat
November 6, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Thanks for hosting! In a rare moment of caffeination, I was semi-awake enough to do the morning session.
I'm currently writing a book called Oath and Memory, but I also wrote a book that has very little to do with memory. It does have wizards, swordfights, and Lovecraftian horrors though! #SffChat
I'm currently writing a book called Oath and Memory, but I also wrote a book that has very little to do with memory. It does have wizards, swordfights, and Lovecraftian horrors though! #SffChat
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Thanks for these questions! Memories are such an interesting topic to discuss!
If you’d like to check out the book I was discussing, here it is!
Universal Link: books2read.com/u/bzNng9
Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/alexlarkspur...
Itch: applesncinnamon.itch.io/sweet-wild
Cover by @northyme.com
If you’d like to check out the book I was discussing, here it is!
Universal Link: books2read.com/u/bzNng9
Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/alexlarkspur...
Itch: applesncinnamon.itch.io/sweet-wild
Cover by @northyme.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Thanks for these questions! Memories are such an interesting topic to discuss!
If you’d like to check out the book I was discussing, here it is!
Universal Link: books2read.com/u/bzNng9
Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/alexlarkspur...
Itch: applesncinnamon.itch.io/sweet-wild
Cover by @northyme.com
If you’d like to check out the book I was discussing, here it is!
Universal Link: books2read.com/u/bzNng9
Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/alexlarkspur...
Itch: applesncinnamon.itch.io/sweet-wild
Cover by @northyme.com
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
#sffchat
I'd love it if people shared around the link for Invasive, which is now available for preorder!
books2read.com/u/4jJjrj
When a ship of religious pilgrims lands on an “empty” planet, their disruption to the ecosystem may doom them all.
I'd love it if people shared around the link for Invasive, which is now available for preorder!
books2read.com/u/4jJjrj
When a ship of religious pilgrims lands on an “empty” planet, their disruption to the ecosystem may doom them all.
November 6, 2025 at 1:52 PM
#sffchat
I'd love it if people shared around the link for Invasive, which is now available for preorder!
books2read.com/u/4jJjrj
When a ship of religious pilgrims lands on an “empty” planet, their disruption to the ecosystem may doom them all.
I'd love it if people shared around the link for Invasive, which is now available for preorder!
books2read.com/u/4jJjrj
When a ship of religious pilgrims lands on an “empty” planet, their disruption to the ecosystem may doom them all.
1. A new proposed rule at the Department of Homeland Security would institute biological sex DNA testing of immigrants and visa applicants if DHS has reason to believe it would be relevant to their immigration status.
Read the latest from writer S. Baum.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
Read the latest from writer S. Baum.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
DHS Wants to Make Some Immigrants and Visitors Take a DNA Sex Test
The public comment period for the proposal has begun.
www.erininthemorning.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:35 PM
#SFFChat Q4: Excerpt featuring a memory
I've shared this passage from The Wings of Ashtaroth before many times, but it's one I'm super proud of
I've shared this passage from The Wings of Ashtaroth before many times, but it's one I'm super proud of
November 6, 2025 at 12:19 PM
#SFFChat Q4: Excerpt featuring a memory
I've shared this passage from The Wings of Ashtaroth before many times, but it's one I'm super proud of
I've shared this passage from The Wings of Ashtaroth before many times, but it's one I'm super proud of
#SFFChat Q3: It's always really uplifting and invigorating when someone remembers a character or a line or something else really specific.
That said, in the long term, those are definitely the things most likely to blur in memory. I think, for the most part, I remember a general feel that I can
That said, in the long term, those are definitely the things most likely to blur in memory. I think, for the most part, I remember a general feel that I can
#SFFChat Q3: What aspects of your work would you most like to stick with readers?
This was poorly phrased! Sort of, "what would you most like readers to take away" but in a less immediate sense.
This was poorly phrased! Sort of, "what would you most like readers to take away" but in a less immediate sense.
November 6, 2025 at 12:08 PM
#SFFChat Q3: It's always really uplifting and invigorating when someone remembers a character or a line or something else really specific.
That said, in the long term, those are definitely the things most likely to blur in memory. I think, for the most part, I remember a general feel that I can
That said, in the long term, those are definitely the things most likely to blur in memory. I think, for the most part, I remember a general feel that I can
#SFFChat Q2:
The obvious answer for me is probably ASoIaF, but honestly, answering these questions has made it clear how essential a solid handling of these is to my enjoyment of a work. I think it breathes life into present action in a big way.
The Devourers by Indrapramit Das is one of my
The obvious answer for me is probably ASoIaF, but honestly, answering these questions has made it clear how essential a solid handling of these is to my enjoyment of a work. I think it breathes life into present action in a big way.
The Devourers by Indrapramit Das is one of my
#SFFChat Q2: What's an SFF work that plays with memory/history/mythmaking very successfully? What do you think makes it successful?
November 6, 2025 at 11:50 AM
#SFFChat Q2:
The obvious answer for me is probably ASoIaF, but honestly, answering these questions has made it clear how essential a solid handling of these is to my enjoyment of a work. I think it breathes life into present action in a big way.
The Devourers by Indrapramit Das is one of my
The obvious answer for me is probably ASoIaF, but honestly, answering these questions has made it clear how essential a solid handling of these is to my enjoyment of a work. I think it breathes life into present action in a big way.
The Devourers by Indrapramit Das is one of my
#SFFChat Q1: Even though I wrote this, it is actually making me reflect on these things in my work, and how much of a huge part of my writing is focused on the ways the past reverberates in the present.
TWoA opens with the past. Not super unusual in epic fantasy (yes, it has one of those--the dread
TWoA opens with the past. Not super unusual in epic fantasy (yes, it has one of those--the dread
#SFFChat Q1: What roles do myth, history, memory, or remembrance/commemoration play in your work?
November 6, 2025 at 11:32 AM
#SFFChat Q1: Even though I wrote this, it is actually making me reflect on these things in my work, and how much of a huge part of my writing is focused on the ways the past reverberates in the present.
TWoA opens with the past. Not super unusual in epic fantasy (yes, it has one of those--the dread
TWoA opens with the past. Not super unusual in epic fantasy (yes, it has one of those--the dread
#SFFChat Intro:
Hi, I'm Steve, the host! Remembrance Day is a big deal in a lot of places, but esp. Newfoundland where I grew up (hence the theme!).
I have a lot of really fond memories--so many people have been kind & generous, so many books have been excellent. An older one: my friend and I used
Hi, I'm Steve, the host! Remembrance Day is a big deal in a lot of places, but esp. Newfoundland where I grew up (hence the theme!).
I have a lot of really fond memories--so many people have been kind & generous, so many books have been excellent. An older one: my friend and I used
#SFFChat is here!
Intro: Introduce yourself and share a fond memory you have of the SFF community, or of writing/reading SFF.
Intro: Introduce yourself and share a fond memory you have of the SFF community, or of writing/reading SFF.
November 6, 2025 at 11:18 AM
#SFFChat Intro:
Hi, I'm Steve, the host! Remembrance Day is a big deal in a lot of places, but esp. Newfoundland where I grew up (hence the theme!).
I have a lot of really fond memories--so many people have been kind & generous, so many books have been excellent. An older one: my friend and I used
Hi, I'm Steve, the host! Remembrance Day is a big deal in a lot of places, but esp. Newfoundland where I grew up (hence the theme!).
I have a lot of really fond memories--so many people have been kind & generous, so many books have been excellent. An older one: my friend and I used
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Apparently it's #IReadCanadian Day and I just so happen to be a #CanadianAuthor with a just-released new addition to my middle grade fantasy series. Magic! Danger! Villains you love to hate! And lots and lots of CROWS! 🐦⬛😁 #BookSky
➡️ books2read.com/rl/TheArcanium
➡️ books2read.com/rl/TheArcanium
November 5, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Apparently it's #IReadCanadian Day and I just so happen to be a #CanadianAuthor with a just-released new addition to my middle grade fantasy series. Magic! Danger! Villains you love to hate! And lots and lots of CROWS! 🐦⬛😁 #BookSky
➡️ books2read.com/rl/TheArcanium
➡️ books2read.com/rl/TheArcanium
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Hello! Matt from the hospital here where my first dose of chemo has just finished.
I write as MG Mason, lots of ghost stories.
The terrible truth? The manner by which humanity will destroy itself: petulant stupidity. But hope always accompanies, it can't be killed.
#HorrorWritersChat
I write as MG Mason, lots of ghost stories.
The terrible truth? The manner by which humanity will destroy itself: petulant stupidity. But hope always accompanies, it can't be killed.
#HorrorWritersChat
Ah, good evening, friend. Dr. Bedlam, at your service. Our esoteric laboratory has just opened. Come in, we are doing vital work on studying the cosmic unknown. Tell us, what do you write, and what seal do you own that contains a Terrible Truth hidden from Humanity?
#HorrorWritersChat
#HorrorWritersChat
November 5, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Hello! Matt from the hospital here where my first dose of chemo has just finished.
I write as MG Mason, lots of ghost stories.
The terrible truth? The manner by which humanity will destroy itself: petulant stupidity. But hope always accompanies, it can't be killed.
#HorrorWritersChat
I write as MG Mason, lots of ghost stories.
The terrible truth? The manner by which humanity will destroy itself: petulant stupidity. But hope always accompanies, it can't be killed.
#HorrorWritersChat
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Coming up this afternoon: My puzzle design talk at Thinky Games! Catch me this afternoon at 2:30 talking about curriculum design influencing puzzle design!
www.youtube.com/live/g1mhl2U...
www.youtube.com/live/g1mhl2U...
November 5, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Coming up this afternoon: My puzzle design talk at Thinky Games! Catch me this afternoon at 2:30 talking about curriculum design influencing puzzle design!
www.youtube.com/live/g1mhl2U...
www.youtube.com/live/g1mhl2U...