Sometimes hope is in the smallest things. A trip to the beach. A photo. A laugh. Things are far from perfect. I am far from better. But there is small, small hope 💛

A digital drawing of a goblin holding a cupcake. She is very seriously looking down it. She has frizzy hair, a pointed hat and stones hanging off her dress. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

We take cake very seriously in this house, much like Zinag here, who likes a quiet contemplation of cake appreciation before tucking in! I’ll be enjoying extra-special cakes today as it’s my birthday 🥳 Deeeeelicious! #Birthday #Cake #ArtSky

A photo of a window painting of Meg and Mog. A witch on a broomstick, a cat, an owl and a moon and stars

Photos of a window painting of Meg and Mog. A witch on a broomstick, a cat, an owl and a moon

If you go down to Stromness Library today, you can see Stephanie's superbly spooktacular window painting of Meg and Mog, from the brilliant books by Helen Nicoll and Jan Pieńkowski. 🧙‍♀️🐈‍⬛🦉🧹🌙

#LoveLibraries #Halloween

This is adorable! 😍

The official graphic for National Poetry Day 2025 on the theme of 'Play'. It's an 8-bit, pastel background of a cherry blossom tree against a blue sky with books being thrown into the air. In large, alternating pink and blue text in the centre of the image, it reads: National Poetry Day / 02.10.2025 / PLAY

It's National Poetry Day! We'll be celebrating all day - stay tuned to our socials so you don't miss a thing 👀🎉

Wherever you are, The Poetry Society wishes you a very happy National Poetry Day in the company of poetry.

Thank you so much, June! 😄✨

Thanks so much, Carmella! It still doesn’t feel real! 😄💛

Happy Launch Day to this awesome podcast! 👻🖤

A photo of Ellen and her Dad, Nick, sat on a rock by the sea.

This particular poem ‘Dry-Stane Dyke’ means a lot to me, as it was inspired by my wonderful Dad, who for many years was a dry-stone waller. I’m proud of his legacy of stone, the patience, the skill, the care he took with each wall, that is so true of his character also. He really is an amazing man!

A photo of Ellen smiling, holding the book Stonework, in front of a bookcase.

My gorgeous contributor’s copy of Stonework has arrived and as you can see I’m so delighted with it! This book is so beautiful - definitely one to treasure! #Poem #Poet #PoetrySky

Episode 05 - Rattle Chains by Ellen Forkin

Listen to Rattle Chains, an eerily haunting tale that spans centuries written by the brilliant @ellenforkin.bsky.social and available on the Haunted UK Fiction podcast.

open.spotify.com/episode/7uS0...

🌊 Introducing… #TheApothecaryByTheSea by @beewyld.bsky.social!

From the award-winning author of All My Wild Mothers: a lyrical, tender story of creating a wild #apothecary garden on the Scottish archipelago of #Orkney...

With beautiful illustrations by Adam Clarke🌼
Out 30 April
#garden #gardening

A poster of a manifesto about reading, by Loki, with 6 points on reading "bad" books, short books, comics, audioooks, webcomics and fanfic, plus not finishing bad books cos life is too short.

This is my Lokifesto #KidsConf #UKkidlit #edusky lokibooks.com/lokifesto/

FLASH WRITERS! I'm judging the Allingham Flash Fiction Comp and it's been extended!

The deadline extended to Sunday, 12 Oct at 23:59 / 11:59 pm. Applies to both on-line and postal submissions. All other competition rules and guidelines remain in effect; see www.allinghamfestival.com/fiction-poet...

I loved this book so much! 😊✨

Thank you, this means a lot! ✨

This is so, so lovely! Thank you for sharing! 📖✨

Exciting Book News! Read about my upcoming collection of short stories inspired by Orkney folklore…

It still feels surreal but you can read all about my upcoming book, including its new shiny title, and join me at the beginning of this publishing journey! #Orkney #Folklore #Book #BookSky #WritingCommunity

The Haunted UK Fiction Podcast has already released 7 fantastically creepy original paranormal stories, each crafted by different incredibly talented writers. From host trains and theatre ghosts to werewolves, vampires, curses, and haunted houses... we have it all! 👻

Nice work Ellen, good way to start the day with a dawn poem #Poem #PoetrySky #PoetryCommunity

Thank you, Roger! 😄

Thank you, Olivia! 😊

Thank you, Julian! 😄

Thank you! I think Hughbo the Copinsay Broonie is pretty up there - he’s got seaweed for hair!

A painting of a raven flying on a bright blue sky. Dark purple words read: Exciting news! The Orcadian are publishing my book! Ellen Forkin.

It’s dream-come-true time! The lovely Orcadian are publishing my collection of Orkney folklore inspired short stories - the book will be out for Autumn 2026! I can’t wait and I’m super busy creating the colour illustrations for it! #BookSky #Orkney #WritingCommunity #Folklore #ShortStories

A colour digital drawing of a goblin wrapped up in a red blanket reading a big yellow book. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

It’s getting into cosy season and the goblins are all for it! Snuggly blankets, hot drinks, chocolate and a good book - what more could a little goblin heart hope for? #Autumn #ArtSky #FantasyArt #BookSky #FeelingCosy

I’m sure it’s on its way to being perfect pretty soon! Saying that, I’ve started rewriting a beginning for a story twice today and feel nowhere closer to getting it right - writing is a tricky business! 😅

Don't forget, @womenwritersnet.bsky.social community: today is the final day for entering @mslexia.bsky.social's 2025 Fiction Competition! #writing #writers #womenwriters #WritingCommunity

Open for Entries - Competitions : Mslexia, a magazine for women's writing and women who write. Open for Entries - Competitions : Mslexia, a magazine for women's writing and women who write.

Our 2025 Fiction Competitions close one week from today! ⏰

mslexia.co.uk/competitions...

Running through your editing checklist? Check out Kirsty Logan's workshop '13 Steps to the Perfect Edit' in the Salon's Showcase events mslexia.co.uk/salon/events/

#AmWriting #WritingCommunity

Rattle Chains – A Ghost Story Listen to my ghostly tale ‘Rattle Chains’ on the Haunted UK Fiction podcast…

See my blog about ‘Rattle Chains’ appearing on an episode of the Haunted UK Fiction podcast! #GhostStory #Blog #Podcast