Juliet E McKenna

I write epic and contemporary fantasy novels along with all sorts of varied shorter fiction - SF, Steampunk, Dark Fantasy. She/her. All opinions I post here are absolutely my own. You can find out a whole lot more at julietemckenna.com

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npub10zpq3fpdnn4206dfg0l2km24lvvpr593hd6czq6jhjtttu0lxers6pxgql

NIP-05 Address

JulietEMcKenna@wandering-shop.mostr.pub

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nprofile1qqs83qsg5skee648ax558l4td42lkxq36zcmkavpqdfte94478lnv3cpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerfw36x7tnsw43qzrthwden5te009skyafwd4jsa8ea7u

Publishing to

relay.ditto.pub

yabu.me

nostr.now

Author Public Key

npub10zpq3fpdnn4206dfg0l2km24lvvpr593hd6czq6jhjtttu0lxers6pxgql

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Last Notes

2026-10-04 15:39:06 UTC

Today, noticing that the local birds have decided the grapes are definitely ripe and good eating, we harvested the rest. Leaving a fair few for our feathered friends with nimble beaks. Quite what we're going to do tomorrow with 16.25 kg picked weight remains to be seen. No, we won't be making wine. Jam/jelly, and grape sorbet, is what we've done in previous years.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/117/383/380/318/444/522/original/9e4c8034900f2b91.jpg
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/117/383/380/332/862/317/original/a4bf8314e8f2665c.jpg

2026-09-28 09:54:56 UTC

I just read a third or possibly fourth news article where the reality of an 'AI has discovered something marvellous!' story turns out to be GenAI somehow accessed material it had no permissions for, which was the outcome of an expert's years of work, and presented it without attribution.
GenAI is a fraud. Whatever it offers is generated from work stolen from humans who know what they're doing. There is no intelligence in LLMs.

2026-09-07 08:15:18 UTC

Interesting evidence of the lack of human oversight of Meta's algorithms on my Facebook this morning. Computer sees lots of stories and images of right-wing extremists blocking UK roads. Computer immediately sends out recurring adverts for blameless retailers who sell black balaclavas/ski masks.

2026-06-06 16:32:49 UTC

Recollections and reflections are circulating after Anthony Head's untimely death.
I remember him pushing back hard at 'I didn't see it, so who knows?' responses from some, when J Whedon's bad character was exposed. Tony Head was clear that abusers work hard to hide what they do from those who would call them out.
He also had no time for 'why didn't younger cast members speak up?' He said them not feeling able to tell him was his responsibility and he was sorry for it. A good man.

2026-05-20 07:31:18 UTC

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@nprofile…adl2 I didn't know that 🫤

2026-05-19 22:33:18 UTC

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@nprofile…adl2 the tickets are free, so high demand should be why they were snapped up so fast. I was an invited guest, as I am a long standing supporter of the lecture series.

2026-05-19 21:29:26 UTC

Busy, busy, busy, at present. Nevertheless I made time for what was an excellent Tolkien Memorial Lecture on fantasy fiction from Brandon Sanderson in Oxford this evening. Thanks as ever to the Pembroke College team, undergraduates and alumni. I'll post a link when the recording is available online. Personal bonus - the student scanning my ticket saw my name, grinned, and told me he really enjoys my books. So that was lovely 😊

2026-03-29 09:09:31 UTC

I gather the SF&F subgenre formerly referred to as 'blokes in cloaks' is now to be known as 'mantasy', and may be considered the counterpart to 'guy fi'. You may now go on with your day.

2026-03-10 10:45:30 UTC

I am one of the nearly 10,000 authors contributing our names to Don't Steal This Book; a protest launched today at the London Book Fair.
If AI developers wish to use our work in their software they can ask us for permission. If we agree, they can pay us to license it on clearly defined terms.
This is how copyright operates.
Tech companies ignoring copyright is theft. For the UK government to even consider allowing this to continue is a disgrace.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/mar/10/thousands-authors-publish-empty-book-protest-ai-work-copyright
#books #writing

2026-03-05 17:23:38 UTC

"ICE came to Newford. Big mistake."
A free novelet from Charles de Lint. Download the ebook here.
https://www.charlesdelint.com/IceOut.html
I am looking forward to reading this!
#books

2026-02-27 08:21:14 UTC

UK political journalists fail us badly by assuming votes not cast for the two historically dominant parties are *really* protest votes against those parties. This is outdated, insulting and very, very patronising. People can and do vote *for* the Greens, Plaid Cymru, Lib Dems, SNP, and yes Reform. It's long past time that reporters accepted this.

2026-02-02 11:30:10 UTC

For those who prefer to buy ebooks from Kobo and other non-Amazon vendors, February's 99p special offer price for The Green Man's Holiday will be available from tomorrow.
#books #SFF #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/116/000/797/494/686/484/original/5a9fd4b5d239f8f9.jpg

2026-01-20 15:05:47 UTC

Something positive and an update for those who might be curious. I have indeed done that thing I mentioned a while back, namely writing plot points on Post-Its and shifting them around on the desk until I could see the best underlying structure for the next Green Man book.
That's been a very interesting exercise as well as a first for me. I have now worked out the narrative thread for the story, and I'm going to enjoy writing this one ☺️
#writing #books

2026-01-09 10:45:25 UTC

UK pals, Can anyone give me an eyes-on-the-ground (you know what I mean) report on current road and driving conditions along the route of the M1 through Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, today Friday 9th January, please and thank you?

2025-12-22 14:03:36 UTC

Organ tuners make brief records of their visits and often jot down observations, including the temperature and humidity inside the building. Materials within organs are sensitive to climatic changes ...
Organ-tuning records could be useful for climate studies, said Neil Macdonald, a professor of geography at the University of Liverpool. “As somebody that’s worked on a lot of historical records of climate and weather, I’ve never come across this,”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/22/organ-tuning-books-english-churches-notes-warming-climate

2025-11-22 09:24:27 UTC

UK folk, please vote in local elections whenever possible. Hereabouts, a Tory (formerly UKIP) County Councillor, elected with a 19 vote majority on a 42.7% turn-out, has been sharing quotes from Enoch Powell on social media, seemingly as valid points for discussion.

2025-11-16 11:38:31 UTC

Tabletop game playing pals. Can you recommend a four player game that's focused on cooperation towards a common aim rather than doing down the other people around the table? Please and thank you.

2025-10-31 07:51:10 UTC

It's the last day of the 99p Kindle ebook deal for The Green Man's War. Don't miss out - especially if you want to catch up with Dan's adventures before embarking on The Green Man's Holiday, which keen readers are already enjoying. You could get both for under six quid, just saying 😁

2025-10-06 09:22:21 UTC

Your reminder that The Green Man's War is a Kindle ebook deal for October.
You can get fully caught up with Dan Mackmain's adventures before The Green Man's Holiday is published on 30th October.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Mans-War-Juliet-McKenna-ebook/dp/B0DKFT293X
#books #SFF #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #writing
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/115/326/483/780/601/862/original/47e72db0aa2a911a.jpg

2025-05-17 15:21:51 UTC

Bringing this from writer Joseph Malik over from Bluesky. I think it's spot on.
"Subtext separates a novel from a novel-length story. Subtext is the part that AI can't--and never will--generate. It can't read for subtext. It can read Cliff's Notes to determine an existing novel's subtext, but there is no mathematical or logical process to create it. Subtext is uniquely human."
It's the conclusion to a 3-post thread. You can find that via my mentions if you're so inclined.
#writing #books

2025-05-16 16:33:38 UTC

Londoners and other city folk, are these ebikes for use with an app genuinely meeting a previously unaddressed need, or is this a techbro's 'solution' that has required a manufactured 'problem'? I'm curious.

2025-04-30 08:56:53 UTC

A thought about tomorrow's UK local elections, for those who will be voting. What political commentators rather dismissively call 'no overall control' at district and county level here has seen cooperation between Labour, Lib Dems and Greens which has been noticeably better for local services and democracy than previous Tory rule which can be summed up as 'you'll take what we give you and like it, peasants'.

2025-04-18 06:23:40 UTC

Every feminist I know supports their sisters, cis and trans, and their non-binary siblings, concerned with domestic violence, public safety, equal pay, employment protection, access to healthcare, and other discrimination issues. Obsessing over who uses which loo isn't feminism. It's bigotry.

2025-04-11 11:53:36 UTC

Very pleased with Nick Hubble's review in Parsec #13 of my short story collection.
"Different Times and Other Places showcases McKenna’s distinctive blend of no-nonsense narration and clear-sighted moral worldview, often seasoned with a quirky sprinkling of wild magic."
"Fans will be pleased that this collection includes a new previously unpublished story, “The Green Man’s Guest”, about which all I am going to reveal is that it is a delightful self-contained story."
https://www.newconpress.co.uk/info/book.asp?id=248

2025-04-03 09:30:06 UTC

The Society of Authors is leading a day of action to protest against Meta's illegal use of copyright material.
Data - facts or statistics collected together for analysis or reference.
Creator- someone or something that brings something into existence.
Original fiction, artwork, music, lyrics, poetry, nonfiction -the list goes on- are not 'data' to be 'scraped' for AI fodder.
What they are is COPYRIGHT!
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/114/273/322/597/337/938/original/64f0a6a61e4e41b4.png

2025-03-25 11:43:12 UTC

In a break from the inescapable doomscrolling, let's talk maps.
I saw maps mentioned as an aid to accessibility, in relation to computer games and books.
The poster, speaking from experience, highlighted this an an issue for those with dyslexia/dyspraxia who frequently can’t do mental maps.
I'm interested in thoughts from those with dyslexia/dyspraxia and other variations in information processing*.
*Is that the best way to put this? If not, please let me know.
#writing #SFFantasy

2025-03-24 11:25:54 UTC

Your reminder that you have until the end of the month, that's a week today, if you wish to take advantage of the 99p ebook offer price for The Green Man's War -
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Mans-War-Juliet-McKenna-ebook/dp/B0DKFT293X/
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-green-man-s-war
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/114/217/157/821/277/928/original/114d058bc30e22c8.jpg

2025-03-21 17:16:27 UTC

The Society of Authors has a response to the LibGen dataset article, together with suggested actions for writers on its website.
You may rest assured that this will be brought up in the ongoing conversations between the SoA together with other members of the Creative Rights Alliance, and government departments/ministers currently consulting on 'copyright reform'.
https://societyofauthors.org/2025/03/21/the-libgen-data-set-what-authors-can-do/
#writing

2025-01-29 10:28:26 UTC

Book Quote Wednesday's word is 'building'. #BookQW
Dan knew he had to be at this craft fair , even if he didn't know why. Once his day has started with violence, his apprehension grows.
For a full list of retailers
https://wizardstowerpress.com/books-2/books-by-juliet-e-mckenna/the-green-mans-war/
For Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Mans-War-Juliet-McKenna-ebook/dp/B0DKFT293X
Contemporary fantasy rooted in British myth and folklore.
#writing #books #SFF #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/113/911/165/484/746/520/original/7505a672c13f6535.jpg

2025-01-14 09:27:58 UTC

On balance, I don't think HMRC would ring me to play an artificial American voice claiming I sent an official letter back unopened and legal action will follow unless I press 1 to speak to an advisor. Tax season scam.

2024-12-18 09:54:05 UTC

Writing to your MP objecting to the proposed 'yeah, creatives can opt out of A.I. copyright theft' rules? Please note that paper letters make more impact. Printed is fine, with a human signature, and 3 short paragraphs making your point(s).
Ten envelopes to open, then read and log the letters is 30 minutes work for staff in an MP's office. If a hundred people feel strongly enough to pay for a stamp? More? Heaped mailbags create major friction in the daily routine which gets noticed.
1/3

2024-12-09 10:35:24 UTC

I dislike passive protagonists in fiction. I can give reasons, starting with the Greek root of the word meaning 'first to act', and personal response to being deprived of agency.
I had not previously considered how prevailing traditions in white, Western story telling might also be a factor.
I have just discovered an essay by Vida Cruz-Borja with a very different perspective which has given me a great deal to think about.
Recommended reading.
https://www.fantasy-magazine.com/fm/non-fiction/we-are-the-mountain-a-look-at-the-inactive-protagonist/
#writing #books

2024-11-21 11:38:13 UTC

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@nprofile…7wld @nprofile…dxg8
I was in Sweden earlier this month. Gender neutral restrooms are commonplace, and clearly have been for some time, with individual cubicles containing washhand basins and towels/driers. Baby change facilities are there as well.
Problems solved.

2024-11-21 09:30:44 UTC

Your reminder that legislation to curb the rights of trans people to use restrooms or do anything else means everyone's behaviour, clothing etc will be opened up to intrusive and unwanted scrutiny and potential challenge in our daily lives.
This is not a 'them' issue. Trans rights are human rights.

2024-09-09 08:52:39 UTC

For the attention of those who are members of the UK's Society of Authors. Management Committee elections are underway, and I am one of nine candidates standing for four seats on the board. I have served my initial three year term, and am seeking re-election for a second and final term.
I urge you to read the candidate statements, and use your vote to elect those writers whom you feel confident will work to protect the professional interests of all authors.
Thank you 😊

2024-08-31 08:57:32 UTC

We're three episodes into watching Kaos on Netflix. We could easily binge-watch but we are restraining ourselves
It's a retelling of Greek myth with a modernised setting for Olympus and for Heraklion on Crete, where Minos is a military tyrant, and the remaining Trojans are refugees. Orpheus is a stadium-filling rock star - desperate to get Eurydice back from the dead...
The concept is inspired in its initial simplicity and then in the potential of its complexity.
(continues)

2024-08-29 08:28:01 UTC

First draft - me getting the story out of my head and onto a page.
“Before I could say anything, we all heard screaming. Even with all the other noise, we could tell that was coming from the direction of the lake. We started running towards whatever was happening now.”
Final draft - taking the reader into the story.
“Before I could say anything else, the screaming started. We ran towards the lake.”
I can’t get a final draft without writing a first one, but revision is crucial.
#writing

2024-06-24 09:22:45 UTC

A few days ago, I saw a male reader seriously annoyed by the self-deprecating approach women writers so often take towards promoting their work, underplaying their skills and seemingly astounded by their own achievement.That's stuck with me, so I'm speaking up.
Far too many women are taught from a very early age not to put themselves forward, not to ‘show off’, and absolutely not to challenge male authority and superiority in well, just about anything - work, sports, the arts
1/3
#writing

2024-06-12 11:45:32 UTC

Free in the UK today on Kindle, Kobo, Apple and Google Books. Yes: today only, UK only. Laurie R King's The Beekeeper's Apprentice
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beekeepers-Apprentice-Russell-Sherlock-Mystery-ebook/dp/B006WB7JOG/ref=sr_1_2
#Books #Bookstodon #WritingCommunity

2023-08-24 09:59:15 UTC

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@npub1psd…9sr7 @npub1xkw…m2fh Interesting! And then there's 'pixellated' for 'drunk' which I have come across. In Victorian times 'pixielated' meant led away by the pixies with the booze. These days - the sense was the person was so drunk that everything looked like a pixellated digital image!

2023-08-09 13:03:07 UTC

It's Book Quote Wednesday and the word is 'battle'. Dan Mackmain is as mortal as his dad, but his mother is a centuries-old dryad. Finding people who understand his dual heritage is a struggle. #BookQW
Available from your preferred retailer. Check reviews at Amazon UK https://amzn.to/3vXatAh
What is Book Quote Wednesday?
Readers: check the hashtag for interesting books to read.
Writers: Find the word of the week in your own work and post your favourite quote. It's that simple.
#writing
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/110/859/788/685/273/991/original/cd262017f2c6be01.jpg

2023-06-09 14:37:26 UTC

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@npub1psd…9sr7 I will be interested to see if he is referred to as King Charles the first rather than third when in Scotland, in the interests of historical accuracy. That will be the full extent of my interest.