Big Bearded Spookseller

This is the pinned thread for 2026 where I add the books I've read during the year, it's also a bit of an introduction to me to new and old followers I blog at these two places generally www.bigbeardedbookseller.uk ko-fi.com/bigbeardedbo... #BookSky 💙📚 #blogging #publishing #art #bookshops

CALL OUT FOR ENTRIES! MAGMA POETRY COMPETITION 2026/27 NOW OPEN Deadline 31st January 2027 The Judge’s Prize – poems of 11 to 50 lines The Editors’ Prize – poems of up to 10 lines More info & to enter: magmapoetry.com/magma-poetry...

Halloween doesn’t have to end! OF DREAD, DECAY, AND DOOM awaits! For now and always, you can go back to this new classic #horror anthology, featuring dozens of writers from around the world. Edited by @jendiagammon.bsky.social, @garethlpowell.bsky.social, and @scarlettralgee.bsky.social #horrorbooks

lentil and mushroom 'bolognese' is an extremely autumn coded meal, and it will be a 'shepherd' pie tomorrow

it's been a quiet day today as I've been converting all the various index/list/about posts into pages on Wordpress for better consistency and SEO, just finishing off playingwithmyself.co.uk (fnar) then got bigbeardedbookseller.com to do and that is is

I'm off to Dartmoor again for a few days at the end of the week and have been consulting the sacred texts so I know the obvious places, but does anyone have any recommendations for more obscure things to see? Especially churches with weird carvings or things like that?

On my way for coffee, then anything could happen

It’s time to join us for a sophisticated evening of cocktails & conversation w/ @timhayward.bsky.social 🍸 Fix yourself a ticket … 🎟️ www.ticketsource.com/forumbooks/a... 📍 The Biscuit Factory 🗓️ Mon Nov 2nd @thecrackmagazine.bsky.social

I think I've got the core of Hammer Time up and running now, a few more lists and getting some old reviews added, maybe tweak the about page a bit, and then we're a go ready for the new year www.hammertime.org.uk

My reading for the week has been updated, now going to be reading the Beasts of England anthology published by @deadinkbooks.bsky.social

Submissions reopened! We've announced what the festival is going to be next year - and we are looking for writers, authors and writing professionals to lead online talks over the weekend. Full brief: www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk/take-part-in...

What's Next - Backstage Pass to The West Wing 💁

The Real World of the Bayeux Tapestry by Michael Lewis. A bit of background reading before going to see it next month.

Tooo many books at once! 😂

if you read Demon Copperhead about the Oxycontin epidemic and you were wondering how someone could create a drug so evil, here's a book about the other side of it. The creators of the drug really believed they were doing the right thing. Because privilege insulates you from reality.

10 days till the Edinburgh Radical Book Fair! Today, join us for a closer look at the programmed events with community and solidarity at their heart -  those that reminds us that any real care is also collective care. Gather round! lighthousebookshop.com/events/edinb...

I think I've got the core of Hammer Time up and running now, a few more lists and getting some old reviews added, maybe tweak the about page a bit, and then we're a go ready for the new year www.hammertime.org.uk

finishing off the night getting ready for bed with a song that always makes me tear up youtu.be/cHBznMBfDbs?...

Post some swords ⚔️ My guy, always

My reading for the week has been updated, now going to be reading the Beasts of England anthology published by @deadinkbooks.bsky.social

Oooh, the Swedish edition has arrived!

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa

Another little daily prompt ramble, this time it's sort of about video games www.ephemeral.co.uk/what-was-you...

Bluesky friends. How are you? Here is some artwork from my latest book ‘Little Ghost & The Robot’ which is in shops now. I really hope that you get a chance to read it 👻🤖❤️

Post some swords ⚔️

On repeat youtu.be/z71df68qLp0?...

I'm just shy of halfway through J. H. Elliott's entry in the History of Europe series, Europe Divided: 1559 – 1598. I liked very much Elliott's book Imperial Spain: 1469–1716, and this one is also pretty good. [more deets in Alt Text]

Today my copy of Trouble with Lichen will arrive

Wednesday! Do come along! www.ticketsource.com/theberwynboo...

Today I’m reading the Barnes & Noble Classics edition of The Iliad.

Monday morning and this week I'm re-reading Tolkien's Hobbit as I couldn't choose what else to read What book(s) are you reading this week? 💙📚 #BookSky #AmReading #MondayReads #TBR

Loved this series

Book Launch in Dundee. We're launching Kirsti Wishart's The Pocketbook Guide to Scottish Superheroes in Dundee on 5th Nov. Kirsti will be in conversation with MK Hardy. There will be readings, signings and hot drinks. Free entry - please book your spot. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-pocket...

Horror review clichés, decoded. Slow burn, elevated horror, divisive, a love letter to the genre and the dreaded three stars, translated into plain English for Halloween week. https://gnofhorror.com/horror-review-cliches-dictionary/ #HorrorFeatures

Got a new block rule, if you follow me and are an AI supporter I’ll block you immediately

The full moon calls the creatures to the woods. Can you hear the call too?

It’s a Wolf Mother kind of commute open.qobuz.com/track/58130001

Children without a manglewurzels find other beets or squashes to carve into spirit lanterns for Mad Punkle night. Those with newfangled pumpkins carry them along the lanes like glowing orbs in some coronation procession for ancient kings and queens. – Joanna Vickers, 1982 #VOH

Bluesky has four kinds of users

Returning to the struggle that is Thomas Covenant. I read 1st and 2nd trilogy in early 90s and 1st book of last series when it came out but picked up next one and never read it. Since gotten 3 (this one) and final and determined to finish them. Something a little lighter on the side at least

Can someone please share with me the arcane secret knowledge of taking a photo of the moon with an iphone that makes it look like the moon and not the sun.

@bigbeardedbookseller.com BHS/JD Sports building is where the chapel is in the centre. Building site became Binns.