Hi All! I just found out from my editor that Light From Uncommon Stars is getting a 3RD printing!! I am so thankful and happy!!! Thank you so much to and everyone who has supported my work! ✨🍩✨#teamspacekoi! (okay, back to writing the next one *hug*💖 Ryka)
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Ryka Aoki :)
@ryka_aoki
Asian-American transgender lassie.
Hugo, Locus, Ignyte FinalistAlex, SCKA, and Otherwise Award Winner Repped by (literary)/ (film/TV)
Hugo, Locus, Ignyte FinalistAlex, SCKA, and Otherwise Award Winner Repped by (literary)/ (film/TV)Ryka Aoki :)’s posts
Thank you so much, everyone who voted for Light From Uncommon Stars! Yes!! I’m grateful and thrilled to be a finalist for the 2022 Hugo Award in the novel. This is a dream come true. ✨🍩✨
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Replying to @chicagoworldcon
2022 Hugo Award Finalists for Best Novel
@ArkadyMartine, @ryka_aoki, @pdjeliclark, @andyweirauthor, @shelleypchan
#HugoAwards
#ChicagoWorldcon
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This is going to take a while to sink in. You work harder than you’ve ever worked in your life for a book—that’s a given—but to be recognized for it? That’s a gift. wow… ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Replying to
Hi Chuck! I found a cute pic of us having a dang good time in San Diego! :)
I want to thank , and esp. . I know that Space is Gay, but I am Trans, and my closest queer family is Trans, and I wanted something beautiful for them. For us. This pin is beautiful. Trans is beautiful! Please share the love. Take all the space you need!
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Replying to @torbooks
And for our second pre-order offer, submit your receipt for #LightFromUncommonStars by @ryka_aoki in hardcover, ebook, or audio format by 9/28 to claim this STUNNING "Take Up Space" enamel pin!
bit.ly/LFUSpre-order
bit.ly/LFUSpre-order
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Wow. It's 9/28 in Los Angeles. Light From Uncommon Stars is out. I didn't expect to cry. Thank you, everyone!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Dearest Readers, the paperback Light From Uncommon Stars comes out today! Thank you so much from me, Katrina, Shizuka, Lan & the rest of gang! I can't send you these donuts, but I would if I could because they're just as colorful and sweet and amazing as you. ✨🍩🚀🎻💖ryka
Holy sh-t Light From Uncommon Stars is at #119 in the Kindle store. Thank you, everyone <3 ryka
Best Sellers Rank: #119 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
#1 in Space Fleet Science Fiction eBooks
#1 in Space Fleet Science Fiction
#1 in Transgender Fiction
I had the best farewell to my dreamtrip! After seeing off, I walked back to my terminal. Along the way, I stopped into --and saw my books! The staff was super nice and I got to sign them! *giggle* One last moment of feeling like a rockstar!!
One of the nicest things about being a new Tor author is getting to know writers who I might have fangirled over and imagining them as donuts. ✨🍩💖✨🍩💖✨🍩💖✨
Sweet Author and Donut Pairings from Ryka Aoki shar.es/aWCAWl via
I can finally share this! I have the honor of delivering the official Pride Proclamation for the City of Santa Monica ✨🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✨ It has been a joy to work with . Please come by if you can!
Hi All! I just want to thank everyone who has supported Light From Uncommon Stars for the Hugo Award. It's a crazy huge honor to be a Hugo finalist, but it's even more of an honor that you decided to give my book a chance. Thank you so very much, once again <3 Ryka. ✨🎻🍩🚀🎵💖
My mother’s remains were cremated this afternoon. At the same time, I was on an airplane en route to Ithaca to accept an award for excellence in publication—for poems and stories that I could not share with her because they were so queer. ❄️🌸🍑🍂
dear cis people: the existence of trans people is not a sign that God made a mistake, but rather that God finds you a little boring.
Yay!! I am thrilled and honored to be awarded the 2023 Jim Duggins, PhD Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist Prize ✨🎵✨ Thank you so much to !!!
lambdaliterary.org/2023/06/ryka-a
Looking for a Tilda Swinton type and young Matt Damon type to play the Asian grandmother and grandchild in my script.
Hi Everyone–taking a bit of a step back for a while. Family stuff.
I am so grateful to readers and folks who have written me about Light From Uncommon Stars and other books. Usually, I respond as soon as I can because those messages make me so excited and happy and grateful 1/5
One way that Light From Uncommon Stars has changed my life is that sometimes I let myself splurge on Sapporo Ichiban ramen vs Maruchan or Top Ramen. I still feel a little self-conscious--but it is much yummier, at least IMHO.
On this week of Trans Awareness and Visibility, I want to remind everyone that Space Koi of the cover of Light From Uncommon Stars is canonically trans. ('cuz it's my canon ⚧️)
That readers are fancasting Light From Uncommon Stars gives me all happiness and gratitude. 💖Thank you for spending time with Katrina, Shizuka, Lan and the gang. ps--Astrid says comes visit and try out her new bitter melon soufflé...
I am thrilled! Light From Uncommon Stars was named one of the Top Ten Adult Fiction books of 2021 by New York Public Library! And 's She Who Became the Sun!THANK YOU! ✨🎶✨ nypl.org/blog/2021/11/2
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It's always been pretty simple to me? Sci-fi is when the former starship captain fleeing the Galactic Empire makes donuts. Fantasy is when the Hell-damned violinist trying to win back her soul eats donuts.
Hi All! I just finished my taxes. Before that, I graded 3 stacks of papers and 3 stacks of homework. Before that, I finished my essay on the Hubble. Now, my friend is coming over and I want pie. Can you please encourage me to get pie, and not change my mind and get salad?
I was asked by elle.com to recommend a book for male readers. I was happy to select 's Redefining Realness. I reread it this week and fell in love all over again. Such a necessary book to share! elle.com/culture/books/
Thank you , and to everyone who read and voted for Light From Uncommon Stars! :D Making the Best SF Final Round is a such an honor--but I am deeply honored whenever someone decides to read my work. ✨🍩🚀🎻💖 *giggle* Go Team Space Koi!! To the Donuts! To the Stars!
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Replying to @torbooks
Best Science Fiction Final Round Nominee: #LightFromUncommonStars by @ryka_aoki
A defiantly joyful adventure set in California's San Gabriel Valley, with cursed violins, Faustian bargains, and queer alien courtship over fresh-made donuts.
goodreads.com/choiceawards/b
Basically, three novel exist/ are conceived (so far) my universe. He Mele A Hilo was for my ancestors. Light From Uncommon Stars is for my found family and world. The next will be for my dreams.
Thank you, ! When I wrote Light From Uncommon Stars, I gave the romance to the middle-aged women, because why should young adults get all the clumsy-initally-dysfunctional-but-inexplicably-magical-and-transformative relationships? #lifegoals
Wow… Hometown girl makes good. Light from Uncommon Stars is at #9! Thank you and …. Bestsellers List Sunday, October 10
If I could make any world come true, it would be a world where we would never have to share messages like this again.
I want to have a big queer asian family that takes 3 tables at the dimsum restaurant with drunk queer uncle, overachieving queer cousin, slutty queer cousin, 3 queer babies, 5 queer aunties fighting for the check, and one blissful queer grandma reigning over all she surveys.
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Replying to @torbooks
For Best Fantasy Novel (Including Paranormal), congratulations to #LightfromUncommonStars by @ryka_aoki, #NettleandBone by @UrsulaV, and #BookofNight by @hollyblack!
Before I signed the book plates, I thought it would be fun to add something special. This is my personal stamp.
i'm still a little shaky, but i am going on a hike with my friend today, and the weather looks perfect. thank you so much, everyone, for your words of sympathy and comfort. <3 ryka
Omg! The Otherwise Award means a lot to me.🏳️⚧️Also congratulations to Rivers Solomon and everyone on the Honor List! It’s an honor to be listed with you. Thank you so much to everyone who has read and supported Light From Uncommon Stars. ✨🎻🍩🚀🎵💖
OMG ever feel like you just wrote the best chapter of your life...but there are a bunch of chapters ahead? *giggle* it's a good writing day.
Hooray... The rough draft of my next novel is done. Now it's polishing and getting rid of silly stuff so I can get it to
by end of week. :) And then the real work begins.
I'm super excited to be chatting with @charliejane. I am dumbstruck by all characters and worlds and emotions in her latest book, EVEN GREATER MISTAKES. So much to process...amazing.
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#EventAlert: Tonight, join @ryka_aoki and @charliejane as they talk #LightFromUncommonStars! Join them via @Booksmith at 6 PM PT.
booksmith.com/event/ryka-aoki
So happyl!!! Light From Uncommon Stars is coming out in paperback on 7/26! And, Tor updated the cover!
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“A transformative marvel. I have never read a book quite like this before. I laughed. I wept. I believed in the power of souls.” -@tjklune
Get ready for the paperback of #LightFromUncommonStars by @ryka_aoki and its stunning updated cover, out 7/26
us.macmillan.com/books/97812507
us.macmillan.com/books/97812507
A lot of work ahead...but I am at the stage where plot tangles are starting to weave...and the plot holes are beginning to fill with trees...
I’m super honored to have my work be part of West Hollywood’s celebration of National Poetry Month! (I really need to get outside and get a picture next to this.)
I wish and work for a world where more trans people can have happy holidays. <3
Wow... I just received my finished copies of Light from Uncommon Stars. I'm published in hardcover... I know I should sound more... I just need a bit of time to take this in. Pictures and stuff to come. For now...thank you, everyone. 💖 ryka
One last pic before I turn in. I am smiling 'cuz I managed to record a pretty good reading. ok all oyasumi! :)
"Light from Uncommon Stars" soll ins Deutsche übersetzt werden! Ich bin sehr glücklich! Es wird die erste Übersetzung sein, die ich fast lesen kann. (ein bißchen)
This was my best writing day since returning from Worldcon. Onward! ✨📡〽️🍳✨
I was at Skylight today signing books! See everyone tonight online!
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TONIGHT: Ready to celebrate the release of #LightFromUncommonStars? Join the launch event with author @ryka_aoki in conversation with @gaileyfrey via @skylightbooks at 7:30 PM PT!
Sign up here: crowdcast.io/e/skylit-aoki/
One of the things that unites us as a nation is knowing that no matter who we are, where we came from, or how we identify--some dude with an axe to grind can come into our neighborhood and shoot a bunch of people.
Hooray! My application was just approved and I am now a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America! :D
Good morning and OMG! ✨Light From Uncommon Stars is a Locus finalist and part of some incredible company!✨🍩🎻🚀💖Thank you so much!
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2022 Locus Awards Top Ten Finalists ift.tt/8POMXqE
This is such wonderful news to wake up to!!! ✨🎻🍩🚀🎵💖 A Subjective Chaos Kind of Award, indeed! Thank you so much!!!
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Replying to @SCKAwards
Blurred Boundaries category.
Our winner is Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki!
Congratulations!
I had all this leftover energy last night after the Hugo ceremony so I recorded my weekly lecture for my English 1 students--I wonder if they'll think I prettied myself up for them? Or maybe they will notice the effects of the dessert wine and all the cheese...?
As a poet, there is no more important way to spend a morning than searching for that one special word. That word that only you know, that will magically connect you with the world around you... (btw, yes I eventually found my password and accessed my email.)
I can't wait to bring this book to everyone! We've got queer love and donuts and stars and violins! I wanted to make this book something very personal, so when I give it to you, you know for sure it's from me. Also, to be honest it's really nice to represent the SGV !✨💖✨🎶✨
Light From Uncommon Stars will be coming out in Polish! Hooray! #ŚwiatłoZNiezwykłychGwiazd
Final thoughts on #Chicon8. Everyone thinks a writer shows her readers new worlds. But readers, by discovering, sharing and supporting my work, have shown me whole new galaxy of community and possibility. I am deeply, deeply, deeply grateful. Much love, ever and always, ✨ryka
Few things are better than waking up in the morning, looking at what you wrote yesterday, and still being happy with it. :)
Oh my gosh—thank you so much ! The whole visit felt magical, and that magic will sustain me as I work on the next book. ✨🥞✨You’re the best! ✨🍳🐙📖⛩️🦋👼💖
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We love an author visit and we are SO excited to have welcomed @ryka_aoki, author of #LightFromUncommonStars, to the Tor Books office! Thank you so much for stopping by, Ryka! 
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Oh wow! #96? I cracked the top 100? Wow Thank You So Much, Everyone!!
Imagine having a Pastreon account, where every month people support you with donuts, cakes, tarts, and other baked goods.
Thank you, everyone who has read and supported my work. I'm stunned by all the good things that have come to Light From Uncommon Stars. I'm working on the new book right now, and can't wait for the day that I can share it with you. So much 💖, Ryka.
What I could be doing? Grading essays. What I should be doing? Working on my manuscript. What I would be doing? Practicing piano. What I am actually doing? Fan-translating a manga.
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HUGE EBOOK SALE ALERT
Today and today only, we've got a HUGE group of downpriced eBooks, including hot titles by @ryka_aoki, @tjklune, @jamesrollins, @BrandSanderson, & more 
Hurry now before this awesome sale ends!
torforgeblog.com/2022/05/15/hugI had a wonderful wonderful time at the Grove! Please give them a visit--the folks are friendly, the air-conditioning is great, and the even validated my parking!
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.@ryka_aoki introduces us to LIGHT FROM UNCOMMON STARS. @torbooks @BNBuzz
1:00
Science Fiction and Fantasy Fans are some of the nicest people in the world. (And, if you are able, you should go on the and be surrounded by them.)
Oh gosh. My mother's friend went fishing and I got a huge trout. It looked fresh enough to cure, so brined it, then pulled the skin off to deep fry later. I took the head, fins and the bones (in a mesh bag) and am making soup stock now. Oh, and the writing is coming along, too.
Hey, trans peeps. Yes, you. Sending you love tonight because it's my love and I can send it anywhere I want.
❤️ ryka
Oh, and by the way you're beautiful...
OMG... sometimes writings give you cool things you never expected... This is gorgeous. Thank you
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Cursed violins, magic, donuts, and a queer alien courtship. LIGHT FROM UNCOMMON STARS is a heart-warming tale of music, identity, and found family—and our August Speculative Fiction pick!
Listen to @ryka_aoki on the latest episode of #PouredOver ow.ly/PZzi50K93m1
@torbooks
0:10
Wow! Light From Uncommon Stars made this list--and check out , Becky Chambers, !!
Announcing the #GoodreadsChoice Nominees in Best Science Fiction: goodreads.com/choiceawards/b via
Just as a reminder, LIGHT FROM UNCOMMON STARS is eligible for this year's Hugo Award as a novel. :D I know so many great books came out in 2021, but gosh, a nomination would be amazeballs!
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Not nominating or voting for Hugos this year, and haven't for several years, but I usually reveal what I would vote for if I was. I'll limit this tweet to the novel I hope ends up on the ballot.
Ryka Aoki's Light From Uncommon Stars.
Spent some time with some love songs I wrote years ago. I always imagined my voice was too ugly and not in the right range to sing them properly. But somehow, showing my characters the beauty in their voices has let me love mine, as well? Wow....wow.
Having one of those days where I get myself all dressed up to go out and write in a coffeehouse--then think, gosh i can just open the window and make coffee at home.
Being trans means that even if we don't know each other, I care about you. Trans love from Los Angeles.
Recurring thought throughout the Hugo ceremony: holy sh-t these writers and artists are freaking amazing... #Chicon8
Just realizing there’s a whole generation of queer writers who have never laid out a zine by hand nor own a long-reach stapler... 😆
Oh...crap... Monterey Park. Near Garvey and Garfield. Thinking of all who were lost, all who were injured, all who must begin the Lunar New Year with grieving and tears. #montereypark #sgv
Thank you so much @charliejane for including Light From Uncommon Stars on this wonderful, wonderful list. ❤
11 book and music recommendations that will ignite your imagination
donut day!? Is it Donut Day?!!!! HAPPY DONUT DAY!!!!!!
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Today is National Donut Day
This is one of TB’s favorite days!
Discover 3 sapphic books that that involve donut shops or donut bribes, including ones by:
Joy Argento @ryka_aoki & @JaeFiction
Deets here: bit.ly/3qjVIt7
#SapphicFiction #Lesfic #QueerReads #wlwfiction
Special thanks to and for taking time to chat with the newbie about life as a working writer. You’re both so damn amazing! 💖much love, Ryka
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I read Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki goodreads.com/review/show/49
Ever get off the plane, read the news, then want to get back on the plane again?
Blurbs are coming for my forthcoming LIGHT FROM UNCOMMON STARS. I am super excited (more than a little relieved) and so profoundly grateful.
Dear trans/nonbinary writers--from my experience, Tor has been wonderful to work with, as well. twitter.com/cxorlando/stat
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Hi All! We're starting a new press with a very particular mission. Please visit and spread the word? Dissonance Press: Letting More QTPOC Writers Write
gofundme.com/f/dissonancepr
I think my favorite pastime is now "playing anime songs on my violin." I feel can I get to the music faster on the violin than I can with the piano. I can't do anything even mildly difficult, but I can play the melody and it is so much fun. :)
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We are so thrilled that #LightFromUncommonStars by @ryka_aoki has won the @OtherwiseAward and #SheWhoBecameTheSun by @shelleypchan was included in the Otherwise Award Honor List! CONGRATS, RYKA AND SHELLEY!!! 
otherwiseaward.org/2023/01/ryka-a
otherwiseaward.org/2023/01/ryka-aOMG--thank YOU!!!!✨🍩✨
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One regret...I never learned to crochet... besides that I am super happy and grateful for the amazing conversations, the sharing...the laughter and kindness. More to come, but most important, thank you for having me voyagers! 💖
It'll be posted later this week, but I just found out that Kirkus gave #LightFromUncommonStars a Starred Review! "Filled with mouthwatering descriptions of food and heart-swelling meditations on music, this novel is an unexpected gift." Wow...super happy and grateful! ✨✨✨✨✨
Ever have a dinner with a bunch of very friendly and cool people--and then you go home and look them up and realize that everyone you chatted with was a complete badass?
For Light From Uncommon Stars, I bought a violin from eBay. And now, I just bought a century-old cast iron skillet. Oh, the possibilities...