Feb 23
2009

A letter

Dear person who stole my very awesome and beautiful 2′ x 8′ banner advertising my book from the stage near Gallier Hall–yes, the banner that would have been seen by about a hundred thousand Mardi Gras revelers had it remained where it was:

I hope you at least buy a copy of the book.

Not-very-best regards,

Me

Feb 21
2009

Post up at Magic District

My latest post is up at The Magic District: The cutting room. (A basic description of autopsy procedures.)

Feb 18
2009

Where to find me

I realized recently that I’m going to be attending quite a few events this year. So, if you’re absolutely dying to see me in person, I can be found at the following places in the next few months:

March 7, 2009
I’ll be one of four writers teaching a writing workshop at the Barnes & Noble in Metairie, LA. I’ll be teaching Goals, Motivation & Conflict: The Building Blocks of Good Fiction, starting at 10am. The entire workshop will run from 10am to 3pm. (For more info, contact the Metairie B&N.)

March 20-22, 2009 Coast Con XXXII, Biloxi, MS
I’m still not on their website, but the programming chair assures me that I’m scheduled to be a guest.

April 22-26, 2009 Romantic Times Convention, Orlando, FL
This is my first time attending RT, and I have this awful paranoia that I won’t know a soul there. I guess I’m going to have to put all of my lectures about meeting people and networking to good use!

July 23-26, 2009 San Diego ComicCon
This will also be my first time at Comic Con, but at least at this one I’ll be able to find refuge at the Bantam Spectra booth.

There may be others added later, but these are the ones that are fairly set in stone.

Feb 14
2009

Magic District

The Magic District is up and running, and my latest post is up: After the sale–Part One

Feb 12
2009

The Magic District

I’m thrilled to announce that tomorrow is the launch of a seriously cool new group blog of fantasy and paranormal authors at The Magic District! And look! I’m one of the authors! Woo!

I’m really excited about this, and I think it’s going to be a terrific site for readers and writers. The other authors participating are Tim Pratt, Greg van Eeekhout, Rachel Aaron, Margaret Ronald, and Nora Jemison. Needless to say I’m utterly delighted to be in such awesome company!

To quote from the opening post:

We’re a small group of fantasy authors, with books ranging from alternate history to paranormal to fantasy that defies categorization. Drawing upon a broad range of experience, we hope to provide to our readers (and potential readers as well) an insight into our work and craft, while also giving behind-the-scenes glimpses into our experiences in the publishing industry. We plan on having articles that will cover a wide range of topics such as: themes in urban fantasy, whether heroes can really be trusted, how writing is like making chili, and how to improve your chances of landing the right agent for you.

But that’s not all! We’ll also have contests and giveaways of awesome prizes and signed copies of our books, as well as the occasional special feature piece of short fiction.

So, drop by tomorrow for our official launch and get to know us!

Feb 7
2009

A letter:

Dear Old Man in the fitness center:

skreet skreet

First off, I think it is incredibly admirable that you are exercising even though you are easily well into your eighties.

skreet skreet

Heck, for all I know you’re over a hundred and are simply in excellent shape for your age.

skreet skreet

You’re an inspiration to me and everyone else, and I hope that I’m as active and mobile when I reach your age.

skreet skreet

But, please, oh please, could you get some shoes that don’t squeak like nails on a chalkboard when you walk on the treadmill?

Thanks so much!

skreet skreet

Feb 3
2009

A story by the Kid

(As dictated to me)

Title: The Little Super Mermaid And The Meteor That Hit The Earth

Chapter 1
The Princess had a busy day. One day the princess wished she didn’t have any work to do. Then her mother said, “You don’t have any work. I’ll clean everything. Do you want some chocolate?”

The princess said, “Yes.”

Every time she sees chocolate, she eats it. And when she wants cake, she gets cake and eats it.

Chapter 2
Once there was a mermaid with a baby. She asked the mayor, “Will you take care of my baby?”

The Mayor said, “Yes,” and put him in a little swimming pool.

Then a meteor hit the earth and the baby died.

Chapter 3
The mermaid loved people. Then another meteor hit the earth and the mommy mermaid died. But they weren’t really dead, and the mommy and the baby mermaid became super mermaids.

The End

(I have no idea where she gets it from…LOL)