Michael Johnstone
@mikejwrites.bsky.social
Dad of twins. Lecturer at UofT (English). Man United (and footy) fan. Boardgames and TTRPGs. Writer/author. He/him. https://www.michael-johnstone.com
My most recently published short story is at https://www.heroicfantasyquarterly.com/?p=3035
My most recently published short story is at https://www.heroicfantasyquarterly.com/?p=3035
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Ted Chiang's fav writing quote is from her essay 'Write till you drop'
"There is something you find interesting, for a reason hard to explain. It is hard to explain because you have never read it on any page; there you begin. You were made and set here to give voice to this, your own astonishment."
"There is something you find interesting, for a reason hard to explain. It is hard to explain because you have never read it on any page; there you begin. You were made and set here to give voice to this, your own astonishment."
I will just add that when I wrote about being Annie Dillard's student, I tried to rescue her class from being lost, as it were. Such as I could. I've taught a lot of what she taught me over the years and most of it has held up.
I wrote about being Annie Dillard's student at Wesleyan in the spring of my last year in college for Elizabeth Benedict's Mentors and Monsters anthology, and The Morning News: themorningnews.org/annie-dillar...
September 16, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Ted Chiang's fav writing quote is from her essay 'Write till you drop'
"There is something you find interesting, for a reason hard to explain. It is hard to explain because you have never read it on any page; there you begin. You were made and set here to give voice to this, your own astonishment."
"There is something you find interesting, for a reason hard to explain. It is hard to explain because you have never read it on any page; there you begin. You were made and set here to give voice to this, your own astonishment."
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
The 2026 LIGHTSPEED + NIGHTMARE Kickstarter is NOW LIVE! Check out our star-studded lineup of authors & peruse our rewards: subscriptions, signed books, rare magazine collectibles, t-shirts, mugs, and other fun stuff. Thank you in advance if you're able to offer your support.💖
bit.ly/LS-NM-26
bit.ly/LS-NM-26
September 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The 2026 LIGHTSPEED + NIGHTMARE Kickstarter is NOW LIVE! Check out our star-studded lineup of authors & peruse our rewards: subscriptions, signed books, rare magazine collectibles, t-shirts, mugs, and other fun stuff. Thank you in advance if you're able to offer your support.💖
bit.ly/LS-NM-26
bit.ly/LS-NM-26
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Today my novel MERCUTIO is officially on bookstore shelves in Canada. I didn't celebrate much today but I did wear my Shakespeare socks to my day job. And I ate an ice cream. My pals @suyidavies.com and @cornellwriter.bsky.social also have books out today, so check them out!
Mercutio
Coming soon from HarperVoyager UK.
May 7, 2026: UK hardcover edition and ebook. Worldwide audiobook.
August 18, 2026: Canada paperback, hardcover and ebook.
June 2027: US paperback edition (this will ...
www.kateheartfield.com
August 18, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Today my novel MERCUTIO is officially on bookstore shelves in Canada. I didn't celebrate much today but I did wear my Shakespeare socks to my day job. And I ate an ice cream. My pals @suyidavies.com and @cornellwriter.bsky.social also have books out today, so check them out!
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
I need an updated pinned post to tell everyone they can buy my newest book, OBSTETRIX, wherever fine books are sold! And yes, there is an audiobook available!
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
Obstetrix
From the Hugo award-winning author Naomi Kritzer comes a tense portrait of a future we desperately hope to escape.A Most Anticipated Book: Nerd Daily | Goodr...
us.macmillan.com
August 17, 2026 at 1:23 AM
I need an updated pinned post to tell everyone they can buy my newest book, OBSTETRIX, wherever fine books are sold! And yes, there is an audiobook available!
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
ICYMI!! Get ready to send your poetry submissions to Poetry Editor Betsy Aoki at Uncanny Magazine!!!
www.uncannymagazine.com/submissions/
www.uncannymagazine.com/submissions/
August 17, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Uncanny Magazine Year 13 Kickstarter is NOW 95% FUNDED with 4 DAYS TO GO!!!
Only $2444 to get us over the line and start working towards some phenomenal stretch goals!!!
LET'S DO THIS, YOU MAGNIFICENT SPACE UNICORNS!!!
Only $2444 to get us over the line and start working towards some phenomenal stretch goals!!!
LET'S DO THIS, YOU MAGNIFICENT SPACE UNICORNS!!!
August 8, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Uncanny Magazine Year 13 Kickstarter is NOW 95% FUNDED with 4 DAYS TO GO!!!
Only $2444 to get us over the line and start working towards some phenomenal stretch goals!!!
LET'S DO THIS, YOU MAGNIFICENT SPACE UNICORNS!!!
Only $2444 to get us over the line and start working towards some phenomenal stretch goals!!!
LET'S DO THIS, YOU MAGNIFICENT SPACE UNICORNS!!!
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Every game I put out gets "1" ratings on BGG before it is for sale. For funsies I'm gonna track the 1s on WS Pocket in real time. What are these people up to, who feel so strongly about a game they haven't even played?
Game details were announced yesterday, and the first "1" is up. LET'S GO! 🧵
Game details were announced yesterday, and the first "1" is up. LET'S GO! 🧵
July 2, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Every game I put out gets "1" ratings on BGG before it is for sale. For funsies I'm gonna track the 1s on WS Pocket in real time. What are these people up to, who feel so strongly about a game they haven't even played?
Game details were announced yesterday, and the first "1" is up. LET'S GO! 🧵
Game details were announced yesterday, and the first "1" is up. LET'S GO! 🧵
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
it is with a heavy heart that I inform you all that the people targeting writers with AI spamslop have discovered guilt-tripping
June 4, 2026 at 8:56 PM
it is with a heavy heart that I inform you all that the people targeting writers with AI spamslop have discovered guilt-tripping
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Not for nothing, I literally just published a short story about a domestic abuser named Graham who gets exactly what’s coming to him.
Anyway
Anyway
Golden Rule | Future Tense Fiction
What would happen in a legal system in which the punishment literally matched the crime? Monica Byrne explores the complex question of what it really means to seek justice.
issues.org
June 4, 2026 at 11:47 PM
Not for nothing, I literally just published a short story about a domestic abuser named Graham who gets exactly what’s coming to him.
Anyway
Anyway
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
✨The Shortlist 2026!✨
DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL, Matt Dinniman
THE DREAM HOTEL, Laila Lalami
LUMINOUS, Silva Park
THERE IS NO ANTIMEMETICS DIVISION, qntm
WHEN THERE ARE WOLVES AGAIN, E.J. Swift
THE SALT ORACLE, Lorraine Wilson
This year’s winner will be announced on Weds 12 August.
DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL, Matt Dinniman
THE DREAM HOTEL, Laila Lalami
LUMINOUS, Silva Park
THERE IS NO ANTIMEMETICS DIVISION, qntm
WHEN THERE ARE WOLVES AGAIN, E.J. Swift
THE SALT ORACLE, Lorraine Wilson
This year’s winner will be announced on Weds 12 August.
June 4, 2026 at 5:32 PM
✨The Shortlist 2026!✨
DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL, Matt Dinniman
THE DREAM HOTEL, Laila Lalami
LUMINOUS, Silva Park
THERE IS NO ANTIMEMETICS DIVISION, qntm
WHEN THERE ARE WOLVES AGAIN, E.J. Swift
THE SALT ORACLE, Lorraine Wilson
This year’s winner will be announced on Weds 12 August.
DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL, Matt Dinniman
THE DREAM HOTEL, Laila Lalami
LUMINOUS, Silva Park
THERE IS NO ANTIMEMETICS DIVISION, qntm
WHEN THERE ARE WOLVES AGAIN, E.J. Swift
THE SALT ORACLE, Lorraine Wilson
This year’s winner will be announced on Weds 12 August.
Heading up to York University this morning for the ACCSFF '26 conference, where I'm giving a paper on @clpolk.com's novel WITCHMARK. Going to be talking about some Marxism and commodification. ☺️
May 31, 2026 at 12:16 PM
Heading up to York University this morning for the ACCSFF '26 conference, where I'm giving a paper on @clpolk.com's novel WITCHMARK. Going to be talking about some Marxism and commodification. ☺️
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Journalists, let’s be careful about the language we use when writing or talking about AI. Here’s a thread — @emilymbender.bsky.social, I know you pay attention to this, too, so feel free to chime in. (1/x)
May 12, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Journalists, let’s be careful about the language we use when writing or talking about AI. Here’s a thread — @emilymbender.bsky.social, I know you pay attention to this, too, so feel free to chime in. (1/x)
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Good morning! My novel MERCUTIO is out in the UK today. The best thing I've done. My thanks to my editor Jane Johnson, my agent Jennie Goloboy, to Leo Nickolls for the cover, and to Maxim Reston for the audiobook:
Mercutio Audiobook on Libro.fm
From Sunday Times bestselling author of The Embroidered Book and The Valkyrie comes an opulent 13th century epic retelling of the life of Mercutio before he ever encountered Romeo and Juliet.
...
libro.fm
May 7, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Good morning! My novel MERCUTIO is out in the UK today. The best thing I've done. My thanks to my editor Jane Johnson, my agent Jennie Goloboy, to Leo Nickolls for the cover, and to Maxim Reston for the audiobook:
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Are you passionate about SF, fantasy, and pop culture? Our Managing Editor is looking for original essay pitches: author appreciations, scholarly analysis of all aspects of pop culture, critical and personal essays, think pieces, literary analysis and deep dives into film, television, and fiction
May 5, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Are you passionate about SF, fantasy, and pop culture? Our Managing Editor is looking for original essay pitches: author appreciations, scholarly analysis of all aspects of pop culture, critical and personal essays, think pieces, literary analysis and deep dives into film, television, and fiction
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
If you're thinking about using gen-AI to "write" books, this 🧵 is for you. I’m a highly experienced editor who’s been in the biz a long time. Recently I’ve had manuscripts come to me where the author has used gen-AI – not for writing, I’ve been assured, but for “structuring” or "organising"
May 1, 2026 at 10:11 AM
If you're thinking about using gen-AI to "write" books, this 🧵 is for you. I’m a highly experienced editor who’s been in the biz a long time. Recently I’ve had manuscripts come to me where the author has used gen-AI – not for writing, I’ve been assured, but for “structuring” or "organising"
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
The May issue of Locus includes my short fiction review column featuring stories from @bafflingmag.bsky.social @strangehorizons.bsky.social @lightspeedmagazine.com @diabolicalplots.com @bourbonpenn.bsky.social @escapepod.org @podcastle.org and @bcsmagazine.bsky.social .
Issue 784 Table of Contents, May 2026 locusmag.com/2026/05...
May 1, 2026 at 3:30 PM
The May issue of Locus includes my short fiction review column featuring stories from @bafflingmag.bsky.social @strangehorizons.bsky.social @lightspeedmagazine.com @diabolicalplots.com @bourbonpenn.bsky.social @escapepod.org @podcastle.org and @bcsmagazine.bsky.social .
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Hello friends, we are 🎉✨LIVE ON KICKSTARTER!! ✨🎉
WE'RE FUNDING:
🌟 T&F Year 5
💫 T&F Year 6
and, if we reach $15k: our first ever Tales & Feathers PRINT EDITION! 🎊📚‼️
Check it out below! Like, share, and back the campaign to help us bring our dreams into reality. 💚
WE'RE FUNDING:
🌟 T&F Year 5
💫 T&F Year 6
and, if we reach $15k: our first ever Tales & Feathers PRINT EDITION! 🎊📚‼️
Check it out below! Like, share, and back the campaign to help us bring our dreams into reality. 💚
Tales & Feathers: A Pro Slice of Life Fantasy Mag | Year 5+
Fund the next two years of our pro-rate slice of life fantasy magazine—and help us create our inaugural print edition.
www.kickstarter.com
May 1, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Hello friends, we are 🎉✨LIVE ON KICKSTARTER!! ✨🎉
WE'RE FUNDING:
🌟 T&F Year 5
💫 T&F Year 6
and, if we reach $15k: our first ever Tales & Feathers PRINT EDITION! 🎊📚‼️
Check it out below! Like, share, and back the campaign to help us bring our dreams into reality. 💚
WE'RE FUNDING:
🌟 T&F Year 5
💫 T&F Year 6
and, if we reach $15k: our first ever Tales & Feathers PRINT EDITION! 🎊📚‼️
Check it out below! Like, share, and back the campaign to help us bring our dreams into reality. 💚
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Your YA SFFH summer reads are here! I've got 21 forthcoming titles to keep you occupied all summer.
reactormag.com/most-anticip...
reactormag.com/most-anticip...
Most Anticipated Young Adult SFF/H for May & June 2026 - Reactor
Romantasy dominates the summer schedule, but there's a lot of variety in these 21 upcoming titles.
reactormag.com
April 30, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Your YA SFFH summer reads are here! I've got 21 forthcoming titles to keep you occupied all summer.
reactormag.com/most-anticip...
reactormag.com/most-anticip...
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
ANYWAY if you think you might enjoy a highly cursed magical forest and adventures with animal friends, you might enjoy THE BUTCHER OF THE FOREST (the real one, not the reference in The Adventure Zone)!
It was a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Aurora, Locus, Ignyte, and World Fantasy Award!
It was a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Aurora, Locus, Ignyte, and World Fantasy Award!
The Butcher of the Forest
"A perfect mix of horror and fantasy."—The New York Times“The Butcher of the Forest” shows exactly why Mohamed is one of fantasy’s rising stars."—T...
us.macmillan.com
April 29, 2026 at 3:32 PM
ANYWAY if you think you might enjoy a highly cursed magical forest and adventures with animal friends, you might enjoy THE BUTCHER OF THE FOREST (the real one, not the reference in The Adventure Zone)!
It was a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Aurora, Locus, Ignyte, and World Fantasy Award!
It was a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Aurora, Locus, Ignyte, and World Fantasy Award!
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
What I reviewed on Reactor so far in 2026:
🧜♀️ Year of the Mer by L.D. Lewis
😈 You Should Have Been Nicer to My Mom by Vincent Tirado
📘 Seasons of Glass & Iron: Stories by Amal El-Mohtar
🌊 The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri
🇸🇬 City of Others by Jared Poon
1/3
reactormag.com/author/alex-...
🧜♀️ Year of the Mer by L.D. Lewis
😈 You Should Have Been Nicer to My Mom by Vincent Tirado
📘 Seasons of Glass & Iron: Stories by Amal El-Mohtar
🌊 The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri
🇸🇬 City of Others by Jared Poon
1/3
reactormag.com/author/alex-...
April 29, 2026 at 4:32 PM
What I reviewed on Reactor so far in 2026:
🧜♀️ Year of the Mer by L.D. Lewis
😈 You Should Have Been Nicer to My Mom by Vincent Tirado
📘 Seasons of Glass & Iron: Stories by Amal El-Mohtar
🌊 The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri
🇸🇬 City of Others by Jared Poon
1/3
reactormag.com/author/alex-...
🧜♀️ Year of the Mer by L.D. Lewis
😈 You Should Have Been Nicer to My Mom by Vincent Tirado
📘 Seasons of Glass & Iron: Stories by Amal El-Mohtar
🌊 The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri
🇸🇬 City of Others by Jared Poon
1/3
reactormag.com/author/alex-...
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
A Ph.D. student at the University of Windsor is conducting a confidential study on what happens after unwanted sexual experiences, with a focus on any communication or contact with the person involved afterward.
To participate or get more info ⬇️
To participate or get more info ⬇️
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
uwindsor.ca1.qualtrics.com
April 29, 2026 at 1:19 AM
A Ph.D. student at the University of Windsor is conducting a confidential study on what happens after unwanted sexual experiences, with a focus on any communication or contact with the person involved afterward.
To participate or get more info ⬇️
To participate or get more info ⬇️
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
You can vote on the Hugo Awards, even if you don't plan to go to the Worldcon.
A $50 WSFS membership gets you voting rights on the Hugo Award. It also usually comes with ebook copies of finalists.
We'd certainly love to see more people voting (and would also love your vote for fanzine this year.)
A $50 WSFS membership gets you voting rights on the Hugo Award. It also usually comes with ebook copies of finalists.
We'd certainly love to see more people voting (and would also love your vote for fanzine this year.)
LAcon V Registration
Register for LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), August 27-31, 2026 in Anaheim, California.
scifiinc99.regfox.com
April 29, 2026 at 12:31 AM
You can vote on the Hugo Awards, even if you don't plan to go to the Worldcon.
A $50 WSFS membership gets you voting rights on the Hugo Award. It also usually comes with ebook copies of finalists.
We'd certainly love to see more people voting (and would also love your vote for fanzine this year.)
A $50 WSFS membership gets you voting rights on the Hugo Award. It also usually comes with ebook copies of finalists.
We'd certainly love to see more people voting (and would also love your vote for fanzine this year.)
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
and another!! a big thank you to @littleghostsbooks.bsky.social for hosting the second launch event for 🌊🌬️⚙️A RIVER FROM THE SKY⚙️🌬️🌊, @melisfluous.bsky.social for being such a wonderful in-convo partner, and everyone for coming! 😭🤍🙇🏻♀️
1/2
1/2
April 27, 2026 at 5:31 PM
and another!! a big thank you to @littleghostsbooks.bsky.social for hosting the second launch event for 🌊🌬️⚙️A RIVER FROM THE SKY⚙️🌬️🌊, @melisfluous.bsky.social for being such a wonderful in-convo partner, and everyone for coming! 😭🤍🙇🏻♀️
1/2
1/2
Finished my reread of Saunders' A SWIM IN A POND IN THE RAIN, & at the end he says exactly what I feel about the effects of art:
"I feel I exist on a continuum with other people ... I feel myself liking the world more, taking more notice of it ... I feel more aware of the things of the world ..."
"I feel I exist on a continuum with other people ... I feel myself liking the world more, taking more notice of it ... I feel more aware of the things of the world ..."
April 28, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Finished my reread of Saunders' A SWIM IN A POND IN THE RAIN, & at the end he says exactly what I feel about the effects of art:
"I feel I exist on a continuum with other people ... I feel myself liking the world more, taking more notice of it ... I feel more aware of the things of the world ..."
"I feel I exist on a continuum with other people ... I feel myself liking the world more, taking more notice of it ... I feel more aware of the things of the world ..."
Reposted by Michael Johnstone
Now that SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL is out in the world, I thought I'd share some of the things readers have been saying. Get your copy: www.starsandsabers.com/books/shoesh...
@starsandsabers.bsky.social
@starsandsabers.bsky.social
April 27, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Now that SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL is out in the world, I thought I'd share some of the things readers have been saying. Get your copy: www.starsandsabers.com/books/shoesh...
@starsandsabers.bsky.social
@starsandsabers.bsky.social