Before the whole writing thing, I spent some time as an art director for magazines such as Shimmer and Weird Tales. Despite that, I stay largely out of cover design discussions for my novel. Why? Because the people who are designing the covers know their jobs. With my first novel, I had no input at all and
Debut Author Lesson: Covers Read More »
So, I remember what it was like when $250 for a workshop wasn’t possible. I just didn’t have the money. Part of the reason I offer workshops online is that there are a lot of people for whom taking time off work, or away from the family isn’t possible. But that doesn’t stop the desire
A sliding scale writing workshop Read More »
REGISTRATION OPENS on Sunday, April 27th at noon Central. Think you never have time to write? Think again. I wrote my first Hugo-nominated short story “Evil Robot Monkey” in ninety minutes. If you have ninety minutes, you can have a story — all it takes is understanding how to make every word work double-time. In this workshop,
I’m teaching a short story intensive from August 29-31. Read More »
I had this moment when I realized that the Kvothe erotica fanfiction that I wrote for the WorldBuilders fundraiser was totally eligible for the Hugos. Totally. Further, I realized that if I pointed that out to Patrick Rothfuss’s fans, there was actually a darn good chance it could make the ballot just because of the way the
Thoughts on Hugos and voting for the love Read More »
I had a wonderful series of emails with my Japanese translator, Fumiyo Harashima, who wanted to make certain that she got all the period details right in the text. I love this sort of thing. We actually wound up doing a small alteration in the text to make it play better for a Japanese audience.
The Japanese cover for Shades of Milk and Honey Read More »
As I write this, I know that I’m going to have to sit on this news for another week. Here’s the thing about the Hugos, for me. I’m a huge stinking fan. The works nominated have shaped my reading tastes and habits since I was a teen. To make the ballot is… it’s a huge honor. Also, totally a
“The Lady Astronaut of Mars” has been nominated for a Hugo! Read More »
a) brush one’s teeth to remove the fishy flavour? b) eat a Thin Mint?
After eating smoked salmon should one… Read More »
SL Huang is joining us today with her novel Zero Sum Game. Here’s the publisher’s description. Deadly. Mercenary. Superhuman. Not your ordinary math geek. Cas Russell is good at math. Scary good. The vector calculus blazing through her head lets her smash through armed men twice her size and dodge every bullet in a gunfight.
My Favorite Bit: SL Huang talks about ZERO SUM GAME Read More »
I should note that I’m really excited because this is my first starred review. Happy, happy dances! VALOUR AND VANITY [STARRED REVIEW!] Author: Mary Robinette Kowal Renowned glamourists Lord and Lady Vincent become the victims of an elaborate scam that leaves them in dire straits until they conceive of a daring strategy to strike back. After
KIRKUS gives VALOUR AND VANITY a starred review! Read More »
Niece: I like to wear sneakers with dresses. Me: That seems very practical. Niece: Yeah, because then you can run at formal occasions. Me: Oh… I don’t usually run at formal occasions. Niece: I call it taking advantage of my youth.
Conversation with my 11-year old niece Read More »
This is a 150 word short story. Yes. 150 words. That was the commission and it was harder than a 3000 word story. I need to turn it in today, so if you have a few minutes to read… Just drop your name in the comments on my site (and make sure your email address
Beta-readers wanted for SF short story Read More »
Elizabeth Bear is joining us today with her novel Steles of the Sky. Here’s the publisher’s description. Elizabeth Bear concludes her award-winning epic fantasy Eternal Sky trilogy in Steles of the Sky. Re Temur, legitimate heir to his grandfather’s Khaganate, has finally raised his banner and declared himself at war with his usurping uncle. With
My Favorite Bit: Elizabeth Bear talks about STELES OF THE SKY Read More »
Ellen Datlow was one of the few editors whose name I knew before I started writing. I bought everything in the Fairy Tale series that she and Terri Windling edited and devoured The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror. So, I’ve been wanting to sell Ellen a story for approximately twenty years. And finally, finally have. I’m
SOLD! “Doctor Faustus” to Ellen Datlow’s THE DOLL COLLECTION Read More »
I am pleased and startled to announce that Without a Summer has been awarded RT Reviews Best Fantasy Novel. The other novels on the list are stunning and you should definitely check them out. LONDON FALLING Paul Cornell, TOR, (April 2013) THE CITY Stella Gemmell, ACE, (June 2013) COLD STEEL Kate Elliott, ORBIT, (July 2013) MASKS E.C. Blake, DAW, (November 2013)
WITHOUT A SUMMER wins RT Reviews Best Fantasy Novel! Read More »
Puppets! Yeah, I should have something deeply insightful to say here, but mostly it’s just that I’m excited because the Sesame Puppetry Workshop sent us photos of us today. photos by Zach Hyman
Pictures of me at the Sesame Puppeteer Workshop! Read More »