There are times when I’m writing and I’ll give a character a name that feels good, then realize that I’ve got two other characters whose name sounds just like that or looks too similar on the page. Like I had a story with Josie and Jodie. Not okay. It’s confusing for the reader. So when […]
Character name sources Read More »
12:08 Just finished “Thunderer” by Felix Gilman, which is a complex and powerful novel. Read it. Highly recommended. # 20:53 Snowing! #
Twitters for 12-6-08 Read More »
I came out of the store and tiny crystals were drifting in the air. Â They weren’t even snowflakes, more like glitter. As people stepped out their doors for the first time, they all seemed to repeat the same thing, “It’s snowing!” even when there wasn’t someone with them. Â Everyone was walking with their faces up
First snow of the season Read More »
I’ve met Vera Nazarian at several cons and know her online. Not once did she let on that she was dealing with anything unpleasant in her life, let alone stuff of this magnitude. Please Help Vera Save her House
Helping Vera Save her House Read More »
My column at AMC is up and this time we cover the question of pets in fantasy. Also I’m happy to announce that my column now has a title — Reel Fantasy. Many thanks to Berry who suggested it when I asked for help. Drop me a line with your mailing address and I’ll send
AMC – Shopping for a Pet? Consider These Fantasy Movie Creatures Read More »
I’ll admit that this post exists largely because my new toy let’s me blog while at the salon. [1. This bit is just a note to myself for next time, because I am daft with names. Rick did my haircut and Larry did the color.] I promise not to do it often, since it’s largely
Having my hair done Read More »
As happy as I am to see a puppet related item make national news, I wish it wasn’t this. There are many ways to measure California’s tanking economy: an 8.2 percent unemployment rate; a multibillion-dollar state budget gap; threatened endowments of the city’s museums, causing some cultural institutions to nearly default on mortgages; and the
Forget Citigroup, Puppet Show Needs a Bailout Read More »
I’m delighted that “Evil Robot Monkey” will be appearing in Mr. Horton’s anthology, Science Fiction: The Best of the Year 2009. This is the second of my stories that he’s taken and I’m thrilled that he continues to enjoy what I do. Here’s a snippet of Evil Robot Monkey, as a teaser. Sliding his hands
Sale! “Evil Robot Monkey” to Rich Horton’s Science Fiction: The Best of the Year Read More »
I think someone needs to take the batteries out of this thing. I can’t even explain what is happening with it.
In the comments on the 100 things meme, David Loftus wrote, “Was particularly charmed by ‘saved a favorite child toy’ would love to know what that was for other folks.” You know what? I would too. So let me introduce you to Lassie. That’s the extremely tattered stuffed animal in the corner there. She’s a
Favorite childhood toy Read More »
I read this month’s audio fiction for Clarkesworld Magazine, “A Woman’s Best Friend” by Robert Reed. I think the story is utterly charming and that it’s the perfect speculative fiction treat for December.
Clarkesworld Magazine — A Woman’s Best Friend by Robert Reed (audio) Read More »
My wunder-agent, Jennifer Jackson just posted the following. My client Alison Kent has organized a fundraiser event: For Jo Leigh, who lost her husband to cancer earlier this year. Like many writers, Jo Leigh and her husband had no health coverage, and so Alison (and others) put a call out to the writing community for
If you haven’t already started your holiday shopping…. Read More »
My cousin runs a wonderful online shop called EyeItalia where she blogs about life in Italy as well as has gorgeous gift items. This week’s entry is on Italian cheeses. It’s full of enticing details that a) make me hungry and b) will probably turn up in a story. Check this out and then swing over
A brief history of Italian cheese Read More »
According to the genderanalyzer, there’s a 99% chance that my blog is written by a man.
Rob and I have been watching Torchwood and trying to figure out the appeal. Last night as we were heading out to Fabulous Girl’s birthday celebration, I finally realized what the appeal is and why it wasn’t hitting me as strongly as other people. Behold, I present a pictorial demonstration. Please note that this is
Torchwood’s appeal Read More »