Michael Northrop

An absolutely perfect cover!

Just approved some fantastic flap copy for a book I still can’t (quite) announce yet. You’d think I’d just crack and spill it at this point

but I’m unflappable 🙃

#writesky #booksky

Feedback like this makes it all worthwhile ☺️ #booksky #authorlife

For these busy times, the Hero’s Journey has been revised from 12 steps to 2. Still satisfying.

I can't stress this enough, #WritingCommunity, and I'm sorry, but I don't want to see your AI-generated cover art or character imaginings. You are doing your books and yourself a disservice, and it just makes me want better for you. I want to support you, I really do. But I just can't support this.

Oof. I just read your post in the most uncharitable, pedantic way possible, and I gotta tell ya: it's not looking good for you.

they're not wrong

shrek and a donkey standing next to each other and shrek says it 's quiet ALT: shrek and a donkey standing next to each other and shrek says it 's quiet

I’m not doing a lot on this revision, and I can’t tell if I am just not fully engaging—not really willing to rip up the floorboards—or if this draft is… pretty clean? 🤔 It could be good news, but right now it feels like an eerie silence #writesky #writingcommunity

Accidentally wore my reading glasses out this morning. That must be what they feel like getting their coffee in Atlantis

A few leading lights from last night’s blizzard #nyc

WE’RE HIRING 📚🕵️‍♀️ The Mysterious Bookshop in Tribeca — the world’s oldest mystery-only bookstore (est. 1979) and recently named Best Independent Bookstore of 2025 by USA Today — is looking for a new bookseller to join our team. This position may be part-time or full-time, depending on availability and experience, but one thing is non-negotiable: you must be available to work Saturdays (11:00am–7:00pm). If Saturdays don’t work for you, this won’t be the right fit. We’re a small, hands-on crew. Everyone here does everything — selling books, fulfilling and shipping online orders, stocking shelves, assisting customers in-store and on the phone, helping with events, coordinating with USPS/UPS/FedEx/DHL, taking out trash and recyclables, and pitching in wherever needed. No task is beneath anyone. What we’re looking for: • Deep knowledge of and passion for mystery/thriller fiction • Reliability and punctuality • Initiative — the ability to jump in without being micromanaged • Comfort working in a fast-paced retail environment No prior bookselling experience is required, but serious familiarity with the genre absolutely is. This is an incredible opportunity to work at the heart of the mystery community in New York City — surrounded by signed first editions, rare books, major author events, and readers who care deeply about the genre. Please note: this position does not include health insurance benefits. If you’re dependable, mystery-obsessed, and ready to start ASAP, we’d love to hear from you. Send a resume and cover letter to: ryan@mysteriousbookshop.com In your cover letter, tell us what you read and why you belong at The Mysterious Bookshop. And please share with any serious candidates you know!

We’re seeking a mysterious new bookseller to join our team! Details in the alt text…

This local Wolfdog joined an Olympic ski event and triggered the finish-line camera. This is Nazgul. He snuck into a cross-country skiing sprint this morning and raced the homestretch with some competitors before being escorted home. 14/10 someone get him a medal

Revision is like being both teams at once in curling. Just gonna shot rock this chapter opener into place, may peel it later 🥌 #writesky

Congrats! That’s impressive, anyway you slice it 🍰

I finished my first draft this morning, but it won’t change me. I am still the same guy, just draftier ☺️💨 #writesky

a man in a tuxedo is saying it 's done . ALT: a man in a tuxedo is saying it 's done .

Carved out two straight writing days to FINISH MY FIRST DRAFT! 1,019 words today to push this cozy mystery into the editing phase—which is like launching a leaky raft down the rapids, but that’s for another day. For now: DONE! #writesky

tortoise and the hare. Also the three blind mice

Same. It’s so disappointing.

I know there are more insidious uses of AI, but one of the most depressing to me is when it pops up in local TV ads. These things are supposed to be folk art; put your uncle in a bad wig like god intended.

Some days reading feels like an escape, and some days it feels like a strategic retreat #booksky

Just don’t disappear to Australia for the lessons

Holy cats my book is coming out in 30ish days! I have a few interviews coming up over the next few weeks, but if you need any content for your bookish podcasts, substacks, blogs, thoughts, talks, etc… I am available for any and all! Here to talk lady crime fiction all day!

Or a current cyclist getting a leg massage and glancing uncomfortably at the camera operator. We don’t ask for much!

How are we supposed to know what’s going on with Groupama FDJ now?!

Listening to a book about the Edmund Fitzgerald & playing Fortnite. M’dudes understand

It works out for everyone. We get clean jars and clean hands, and the flesh-eating beetles get a heart-healthy, vegan option for once!

Cleaning a peanut butter jar for recycling is a complex, multistep process and I think what I need now are like five of those ravenous beetles they use to clean skeletons? 💀 🪲

Just a heads up that if you have AI slop on your page, I am not following you back. And if that slop is on a book cover, I am *also* silently judging you 👨‍⚖️ 😾

athlete: so if triathlon is running, biking and swimming, that must mean biathlon is running and biking?

coach: [taking out skis and a gun] haha yeah you’d think so

- So, what do you do?
- I'm a supervillain.
- What's your name?
- Autocorrector.
- HAHAHA! Are you Sirius? What's your super powder? Wait a minion... what the help is happy ninja to me? PLEATS MAKE IT DUCKING STOP!