Mark Kielty's Avatar

Mark Kielty

@kieltface.bsky.social

Irish writer, hurler, and Special Olympics basketball coach. Lover of fantasy and sci-fi. Birdsite: @KieltFACE Mastodon: https://mastodon.ie/@Markkielty Website: https://markkieltywriter.wordpress.com/

519 Followers  |  345 Following  |  168 Posts  |  Joined: 21.08.2023  |  1.9774

Latest posts by kieltface.bsky.social on Bluesky

Just watched a review of Tiny Bookshop after seeing this post. Looks like a great way to wind down.

08.02.2026 11:30 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
A promotional image for the book, Steel-Plate Subversive, based on the front cover. The background is the surface of the sea at night, the view is from above, looking down at the deck of a small, steel-grey submarine, cutting diagonally across the lower half of the frame. The hatch in the low-profile turret is open. A bearded white man in a green woollen jumper and brown flat cap is standing waist-deep in the open hatch, holding up a Thompson submachine gun. Heโ€™s lit from below by the red light inside the submarine. The title is in orange below the hatch, and my name is in white below that. In the top half, against the dark water, the text reads: โ€˜John Philip Holland's designs established the submarine fleets of five nations. But his first submarines were built for the Irish republican movement.'

A promotional image for the book, Steel-Plate Subversive, based on the front cover. The background is the surface of the sea at night, the view is from above, looking down at the deck of a small, steel-grey submarine, cutting diagonally across the lower half of the frame. The hatch in the low-profile turret is open. A bearded white man in a green woollen jumper and brown flat cap is standing waist-deep in the open hatch, holding up a Thompson submachine gun. Heโ€™s lit from below by the red light inside the submarine. The title is in orange below the hatch, and my name is in white below that. In the top half, against the dark water, the text reads: โ€˜John Philip Holland's designs established the submarine fleets of five nations. But his first submarines were built for the Irish republican movement.'

What's the connection between the Irish republican movement in the United States in the late 19th century, and the Royal Navy, the US, the Dutch, Russian and Japanese navies?

And why is it an Irish schoolteacher?

If you think that's nuts, so did I, so I wrote a novel inspired by that fact.

05.02.2026 14:38 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 16    ๐Ÿ” 8    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 2
Preview
Dublin student makes full Iron Man superhero suit: 'I was bored' Ellie Farrell, 19, has crafted Tony Starkโ€™s legendary armour herself

Ireland's newest #superhero!

#MCU #Ironman #IronHeart #MarvelComics #Marvel #Superheroes #spรฉirgorm #comics #Cosplay #Cosplayers

03.02.2026 07:13 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 12    ๐Ÿ” 5    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Thanks Susan

02.02.2026 12:36 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 0    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

In this interview, I talk about childrenโ€™s books, writing and illustration as trades, and offer advice to people still developing skills, including the importance of finding the joy in your work, especially when things get tough. @litkidsmagazine.bsky.social.

#SpeirGorm #Writing #Art #Illustration

01.02.2026 13:32 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 19    ๐Ÿ” 12    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Just compiling a list of potential publishers and agents for now. Have a newborn to help look after for the immediate future. ๐Ÿ™‚

01.02.2026 20:58 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

I have completed this and will hopefully put it on submission this year.

I'm also looking into publishing another book I've written.

When I get the chance, I will do a whole blog post of what I've been up to all last year.

#AmWriting #IrishMythology #IrishFolklore #spรฉirgorm #YAFantasy #WIP

01.02.2026 18:54 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 7    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

๐Ÿ‘€ ๐Ÿ‘€ ๐Ÿ‘€

#BookSky #SpรฉirGhorm #SpeirGorm #Octobooks

26.01.2026 18:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 8    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Our early bird memberships for Octocon 2026 are selling fast! (Weekend Attending & Concession only.)
Get yours asap to make sure you can join in all this year's activities.
octocon.com/join-us
#Octocon #SciFi #Fandom #Fantasy #conventions #Ireland #SpรฉirGhorm #SpeirGorm

24.01.2026 13:45 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 16    ๐Ÿ” 15    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

This is one of my favourite books. You can check out my review for The Call here:

markkieltywriter.com/2024/12/09/f...

#IrishBookBlogger #Octobooks #Octocon #YA #YAFantasy #BookSky

24.01.2026 14:32 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Great news for a member of our Octocon team, the very fantastic @davidgreenwriter.bsky.social! It's a lovely book and we wish it very well.

23.01.2026 14:43 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 9    ๐Ÿ” 6    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Scarlet Morning | Childrens Books Ireland Viola and Wilmur, two teens whoโ€™ve been waiting for their parents to return to their baron, salt-filled island for fifteen years, decide to leave when adventure comes kicking down their door (literall...

You can check out my review of Scarlet Morning by @gingerhaze.bsky.social over on the @childrensbooksireland.ie website. Hugely imaginative with a creative blend of illustration and text.

childrensbooksireland.ie/our-recommen...

#YAFantasy #MGFantasy #Adventure #Pirates #BookSky #SpรฉirGhorm

20.01.2026 15:59 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 16    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

I'm still very much in recovery after MegaCon (it's a fun show!)

A wee financial breakdown for those interested in doing this sort of thing, especially if your main focus is comics and books.

Table cost: โ‚ฌ123. That's normal for a con of this size in Ireland.

Travel: โ‚ฌ6. I got lifts and live local

20.01.2026 10:41 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

And if that URL doesn't work (we have hiccups sometimes), you can go straight to registration.octocon.com
Come join us in Cork and Online for 2026!

18.01.2026 16:54 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 5    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

You can also reach our registration page directly at registration.octocon.com - note that this year you'll need to register your email address before you can buy a membership.

18.01.2026 17:58 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Poster states: Octocon 2026. Saturday 3rd October โ€“ Sunday 4th October. Clayton Hotel Cork City and Online. Registration is now Open! โ‚ฌ10 off limited Early Bird memberships. octocon.com.
Poster includes the Octocon logo and our mascot, Octo the Octopus with a programme book and a badge.

Poster states: Octocon 2026. Saturday 3rd October โ€“ Sunday 4th October. Clayton Hotel Cork City and Online. Registration is now Open! โ‚ฌ10 off limited Early Bird memberships. octocon.com. Poster includes the Octocon logo and our mascot, Octo the Octopus with a programme book and a badge.

Registration for Octocon 2026 is now open! Clayton Hotel, Cork City & Online on 3rd-4th of October with GOHs @cemurphy.bsky.social y.bsky.social & @aptshadow.bsky.social.

โ‚ฌ10 off limited Early Bird memberships:
octocon.com/join-us/

#Octocon #Fantasy #SciFi #Fandom #CorkCity

18.01.2026 16:50 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 26    ๐Ÿ” 24    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 3

Apparently I post too much about my books and not meโ€ฆso my knee hurts and is strapped up, my shoulder is in a support after I fell off my bike and Iโ€™m on a diet that consists of staring at the whisky bottle longingly while sipping water. See. My books are more interesting! (I hope๐Ÿ˜). #indieauthor

14.01.2026 09:24 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 10    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
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Good morning from (the last day) in Finland!

It's my birthday in a couple of weeks, so have a free book! Yes, In Solitude's Shadow is yours :)

The rest of the series is on sale too.

Shares welcome and appreciated!

mybook.to/insolitudess...

12.01.2026 08:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 20    ๐Ÿ” 16    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

Thanks, David. Really enjoyed this one.

03.01.2026 16:19 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 2    ๐Ÿ” 0    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
Book Review: Magic, Maps, and Mischief by David Green. Book revew and babies. Find out how theyโ€™re related by reading my review of Magic, Maps, and Mischief by David Green.

#BookReview and #Babies!

Find out how they're related by checking out what I thought of Magic, Maps and Mischief by @davidgreenwriter.bsky.social

markkieltywriter.com/2026/01/01/b...

#IrishBookBlogger #Octobooks #Octocon #Fantasy #CosyFantasy #CozyFantasy #BookSky #SpรฉirGhorm #speirghorm

01.01.2026 22:04 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Gameboy Advanced with attached magnifying screen and the intro screen yo Pokemon Blue.

Gameboy Advanced with attached magnifying screen and the intro screen yo Pokemon Blue.

My sister found and brought over my old copy of #PokรฉmonBlue from when I was a kid, and it still works. Full Pokรฉdex of 151 #Pokรฉmon still saved. Peak #Nostalgia.

I remember having to go to a shopping centre to an event to get #Mew

#GameBoy #GameBoyAdvance #RetroGaming #GameBoyColor #Gaming

12.11.2025 11:17 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 5    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
Octocon 2025 Cosplay Showcase Gallery - Octocon Cosplay showcase gallery with our in-person guests Fenek and Przysto * Please note that alt text / captions are not available for this gallery. Photos by

Check out our cosplay gallery of #Octocon2025 where you can see how awesome and creative our members can be!

https://octocon.com/octocon-2025-cosplay-showcase-gallery/

#Octocon #cosplayers #fandom #scifi #fantasy #anime #gaming #KPop

10.11.2025 08:31 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 8    ๐Ÿ” 6    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Post image

Hi all! If you attended #Octocon2025 and have subscribed to our newsletter, you'll know we are looking for feedback on our event.

Be sure to follow the link in our newsletter and make sure your voice is heard.

#octocon #SciFi #fantasy #fandom #readingcommunity #scificonvention #cosplay

03.11.2025 08:30 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 6    ๐Ÿ” 4    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Poster stating: Happy Halloween from all at Octocon, Image includes pumpkins and our mascot, Octo the Octopus

Poster stating: Happy Halloween from all at Octocon, Image includes pumpkins and our mascot, Octo the Octopus

Happy #Halloween to all our members and friends. Hope you have a #spooky and safe night and weekend!

#Octcocon #MonsterMash #Samhain #ReadingCommunity

31.10.2025 18:04 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 9    ๐Ÿ” 3    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
Book Review: Big Bad Me by Aislinn Oโ€™Loughlin Banner stating: Book Review โ€“ Big Bad Me by Aislinn Oโ€™Loughlin Happy Halloween everyone! I was thinking of what books I would recommend around this time of year and remembered a review โ€ฆ

Happy Halloween Everyone! I was thinking about what books I would recommend around this time of year and remembered a review I did back in 2023 - Big Bad Me by @ashilockiewrites.bsky.social

I reposted to my blog here: markkieltywriter.com/2025/10/31/b...

#YAFantasy #Supernatural #IrishBookBlogger

31.10.2025 16:20 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 1    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0

We've sold out of Magic, Maps, and Mischief at The Syndicate table at @worldfantasy2025.bsky.social but I'm told we can still sell them and ship them to you!

Plus, loads of other amazing books at the table.

Thanks to everyone who made Maps a sell out!! ๐Ÿฆ‰

31.10.2025 13:29 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 14    ๐Ÿ” 4    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 2    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
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I'm sure you're all getting bored of the Magic, Maps, and Mischief promo, but with no publisher behind me, I have to do what I can!

The early reviews have been lovely to see... especially given this book's rough road to publication.

mybook.to/magicmapsand...

22.10.2025 15:28 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 11    ๐Ÿ” 7    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1
Preview
laundry hanging on a clothes line with a person standing in the background ALT: laundry hanging on a clothes line with a person standing in the background

I would do a "where I'm going to be at Bristolcon/World Fantasy Convention" but who cares?

I'll be around...

22.10.2025 11:53 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 4    ๐Ÿ” 2    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
Announcing - Octocon 2026 - Octocon 2025 Octocon is delighted to announce our 2026 venue and guests of honour! Clayton Hotel Cork City and Online Saturday 3rd October - Sunday 4th October, 2026

Just wrapped up the almost-last meeting of the @octocon.bsky.social 2025 committee - we still have an AGM to go, but we're onto plans for 2026 now. Cork here we come! (Members, look for a link to our 2025 feedback survey coming to a newsletter near you very soon.)
2025.octocon.com/announcing-o...

21.10.2025 21:03 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 3    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 0    ๐Ÿ“Œ 0
Preview
Book Review: Archibald Lox โ€“ The Missing Princess by Darren Shan Archibald Lox is one of those gems that deserves much more attention than it gets. I love finding these books, ones which fly under the radar but when you give them a chance, you count your lucky sโ€ฆ

There was a fabulous review for the first Archibald Lox volume recently, by MARK KIELTY.

"...one of those gems that deserves much more attention than it gets."

You can read the full review here: markkieltywriter.com/2025/09/30/b...

@kieltface.bsky.social @octocon.bsky.social

20.10.2025 17:30 โ€” ๐Ÿ‘ 5    ๐Ÿ” 1    ๐Ÿ’ฌ 1    ๐Ÿ“Œ 1

@kieltface is following 20 prominent accounts