Oh AI. You'd be adorable if you weren't being used for anything in the real world.

Book giveaway for The Perfect Specimen by M. Luke McDonell Nov 28-Dec 28, 2025 Enter to win one of 100 free copies available. Giveaway dates from Nov 28-Dec 28, 2025. Get a free copy of The Perfect Specimen, a prequel to the just-re...

I'm giving away 100 ebook copies of "The Perfect Specimen" which is the prequel to "Six." Register to win one here: www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...

December newsletter from me (as the sci fi author.) Includes a book giveaway! mailchi.mp/2ad79e63e900...

(It's in June.)

I keep hearing about the HUGE demand for AI and how bazillions of data centers will have to be built to keep up with the demand. I never demanded any of this, especially not the stupid ass AI overviews on the top of my searches, such as this helpful info that the pride parade is today, Nov. 30.

Bay Area locals: I'm doing a book launch, reading, and signing for my new sci fi novel tonight in San Francisco at Adobe Books at 7p.m. Come on by and make an indie author very happy.

Been there. Done that. Will do it again. Defcon 33, Las Vegas Attending Defcon (hacker/software security conference) is like stepping into a living science fiction novel. My first time, in 2013, it was more like a “golden age” science fic…

I got back from Defcon a few weeks ago. SomaFM has been providing chill music for the conference since 2013 and attending has inspired some short stories and gotten me more comfortable being on stage. Here's my take on this year. mlukemcdonell.wordpress.com/2025/08/17/b...

Friends of mine from out of town were excited to ride in a Waymo, so we did. They loved it. When they got out, both of them happily thanked the car for the ride. It gave me a shiver that we anthropomorphize objects so quickly and naturally.

Oh hi San Francisco.

I went to a "dazzling" book marketing conference recently, and detailed my takeaways here: mlukemcdonell.wordpress.com/thoughts-and...

You are one of the best readers at SF in SF. Thanks for bringing the story to life. I can't wait to read the new book.

A great night at SF in SF, with Kimberly Ungar moderating, Daryl Gregory and Nghi Vo reading from, and discussing, their work. I'll let you know when the recording is up on Soma FM.

First time someone ever said this: I strolled over to Dulles airport for dinner. On purpose. 😂 I’m trapped at a Marriott after my conference ended.

OMG. Can Apple intelligence just shut the F up with trying to predict what I'm going to say? Guessing the next few words when I type is like every day living my normal life as a woman with dudes finishing my sentences for me. Not helpful, back off, stop talking. I'm talking.

Cat with mustache in a widow disapproves of me.

So happy to be back at SXSW and get to hear Bruce Sterling tell us what's on his mind. This year it's "How to Rebuild an Imaginary Future." He's doing a cool project to rebuild tech from fiction, make it actually work, and add to our cultural heritage. I'm a huge fan of his writing. : )

Just attended a packed SXSW panel on Severance. Turned into a pathetic Apple TV infomercial with Ben Stiller asking the Apple exec “What other shows are you watching on Apple TV?” Not what anyone came for!

Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, and Will Poulter at the premiere of Death of a Unicorn at SXSW. This is first movie where I ever hoped a Paul Rudd character would die. : )

I'm happy to be at SXSW and be reminded that creativity is alive and thriving. Here is some of the cast+writers+director (James Griffiths) of the upcoming movie The Ballad of Wallis Island...17 years in development, made in 18 days on a small budget. Stars Carrie Mulligan.

“How fictional futures can help us strengthen truth” - Sewell Chan says “novelists help us perceive worlds that are only dimly imagined right now.” With authors Stephen Harrison and Laila Lalami.

Director Paul Feig talks about loving genre, and that the story needs to come from the characters. Fast company grill at SXSW.

Cool tree/sky/ocean at Timber Cove, north of Jenner.

I need beautiful, tactile things in my life now. Turn off the screen, take a breath, and make a drawing.

I paid too much for this ballpoint pen, but it's named Helvetica, made in Japan, and writes like butter–if that's a thing.

Are 'Gripping,' 'Brilliant' Book Blurbs on Their Way Out? In a provocative essay, a major publisher announced that its authors will no longer be required to solicit glowing reviews for their book jackets, arguing that blurbs don't reflect a title's true meri...

"For some readers, such accolades read as insincere or overwrought. It doesn’t help that blurbs frequently repeat bromides like “spellbinding,” “riveting” and “a tour de force” until they’ve lost meaning." www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a....

Wyldblood 16 | Wyldblood Press Seven brand new fantasy and science fiction tales in our latest Wyldblood collection, from Jacey Bedford, Liam Hogan, Mark Rigney, Steve Burford, Holley Cornetto. JL George and M. Luke McDonell.

My short story, "The Obscurists," is in issue 16 of Wyldblood magazine. Stakes are high in this game of finding and tagging obscure places. Instantaneous travel, evil twins, and extreme allergies. What's not to like? Thanks @wyldblood.bsky.social - get the issue here: wyldblood.com/product/wyld...