Life » Waiting for Fairies

Open Your Mind, Clenching is Bad For You

May 082012

Maurice Sendak, the guy who wrote the iconic WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE died recently. It was reported today, but I’m not sure when it happened, and for the purposes of this post, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that he was an author that was beloved by a very great many people.

I liked the book. I didn’t love it the way that it is obvious that many people did, but I liked it. Ever since it was read to us in school, way back in the days of story time and laboriously hand-printing individual letters out on broad-lined paper, I’ve liked the book.

So when I mentioned briefly, over the lunch table today, I expected to hear things like, “Oh, wow. I used to really like that book.” Or, “I still love that book.” I’d have even been happy with, “I’ve never heard of him, but that sucks.” For the most part, those are the reactions I received. Except one.

This is that exchange.

“Oh, I’ve never seen that.”

“… They made a movie out of it. But it’s a book. I’m talking about the guy who wrote it. It’s a kid’s book.”

“No, I don’t read that stuff.”

“It’s a really popular kid’s picture book. They read it in school’s all the time.”

“No, really, I don’t read things like that.”

Each time, the words were said with a sneer. It was very nearly a hateful sneer, and this isn’t the first time I’ve gotten it. When I mentioned wanting to go see The Hunger Games, to see if it matched the book, I got the sneer. Whenever I mention a book I may be reading, I get the sneer. The Handmaid’s Tale? Sneer. The Avengers movie? Sneer.

The most messed up part of this is: this girl watched Twilight. But she didn’t watch it because she was a fan. She didn’t watch it because she was passionate about it. It’s obvious she watched it because it was popular and she’s a follower.

There are certain people who are so sheltered and so prejudiced in their opinions (and I’m not mentioning names here specifically because I’m not fond of libel suits and this paragraph does not necessarily relate at all to the person mentioned above, just to be perfectly clear) that they can’t see anything else. It’s such a narrow scope.

Like the girl who doesn’t read fiction because she “doesn’t believe in make believe” and only wants to hear about things that happen “in real life”. Well, good luck with all those serial killer biographies then. I’d much rather read about fantasy monsters than real ones. Like the guy who doesn’t read about vampires or zombies because “they’re stupid”, not realizing and not willing to hear that these creatures are metaphors for humanity’s own darkness. Not wanting to believe that genre fiction can say anything true or real.

Well, genre fiction is true. It’s more real most of the time then any crappy Nicholas Sparks book you could pick up. The Belgariad taught me values. The Rowan showed me that women can be more than baby-making machines — though there’s no harm in being that *and* saving the world while you’re at it. I Am Legend taught me that there’s two sides to every story. The Dark is Rising and A Wrinkle in Time taught me that science and truth and good can triumph over evil. The Wheel of Time brought me out of one of the darkest times in my life.

I could name dozens more. I bet you could too.

So all I’m saying is… If you’re one of those people who maybe wouldn’t read this or see that or enjoy whatever? Just unclench. Open your mind. Be willing to see value where maybe you didn’t expect it before. And if you want to be friends? Don’t fucking sneer at me.

So It Begins

Life, Misc 1 Response »

Apr 302012

So I’ve decided that sometimes I just want to write stuff. And dammit if I’m going to support a whole ‘nother blog for that like an idiot when I’ve got this nice and juicy one right here to use. So sometimes, I might post some things that aren’t exactly book-related. It’s my blog, after all. If that devastates you, well… You should probably see someone about that, mkay?

Here’s a thing for you: My Blackbirds review got a mention over at Terrible Minds. That squee you heard was the squee heard round the world. Seeing my blog linked there was sort of like Christmas — except with booze instead of presents and lots of swear words instead of O Holy Night. So it was like Christmas, but better. I waited all day to come home and say that. I hope you’re happy. (I know I am.)

Here’s another thing.

My apartment building has a stray cat for a mascot. No one’s really sure who he belongs to, but someone got him a nice ~~dog~~ cat house and set it in the woods near the parking lot. He has his own bowl and everything. We don’t even know the cat’s name, despite the fact that he’s been hanging around for the last three or four years.

So my husband, the Artist, calls him “Hef”, after (of course) Hugh Hefner. Why? Because of the attitude, man. This cat is popular with the “molly”‘s (which Wikipedia tells me is the term for a female feline). Hef has lady cats following him around at regular intervals, but when he’s not living it up with a foxy female, he’s usually sprawled on his stomach in the middle of the parking lot.

Photo by turtlemom4bacon, who has an awesome username. This cat is not Hef, but looks like him.

This cat has no fear. He routinely sprawls right in the center of the drive between parking spaces, and does not deign to move when a car pulls in. He’ll glare at you – haughtily – as you park and extricate yourself from your heavy metal death-dealing machine. Then he’ll yawn and go back to grooming himself, as if to say, “Of course you will work around me, for I am King, pesky monkey-thing.”

Seriously. I can hear him thinking it. Damn cat.

You can view a full-size version of not-Hef at Flickr by clicking on the picture to the left.

What was the point of this story? Simple. I didn’t have one. I was just illustrating the point that it’s my blog, and I’ll say what I want. And I’d have gotten away with it, too, if it hadn’t been for you meddling kids.

How to Miss Out On Great Books

Books, Discussion, Featured, Praise 3 Responses »

Apr 292011

I said in a recent review that I would come back and tell the story of how I came so late to the Retrievers novels and Laura Anne Gilman‘s Cosa Nostradamus world.

It’s really quite simple and easy, but if you’re curious, here is Kiara’s Guide to Missing Out On Really Great Books™ .

Hold tight to your tropes.
- When I first picked up Staying Dead back in 2004 or 2005, I was really big into Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake series. (We’re all youthful and naive at one point or another.) The genre was just getting big on vampires and werewolves and kick ass chicks in leather pants. Staying Dead had none of these things. Here was a book with a nervous heroine whose “super power” was being ignored. What kind of kick ass chick was THAT?
Scoff at anything outside the “norm”.
- Electricity as a magic power? That was just too… normal… to be fantasy. Fairies that weren’t tall and coolly elfin and romantically aloof? A heroine who not only had never killed anyone – or even beaten anyone up, from the look of it – but who was afraid of guns?
Dis the romance. Overlook the other relationships.
- One of the major elements, I think, in the Cosa Nostradamus series is the relationships. Sure, Wren and Sergei have “a thing” blossoming, and that’s the only place I looked at first. “Romance,” I thought to myself, disgustedly. “Who has any use for a heroine who can’t even figure out her love life? Or one who even NEEDS a love life?” But the beauty of this series is that it looks at the ways different people interact with one another. I mean – I’m sure the author didn’t give her main character the ability to be overlooked because she thought it would be FUNNY, you know? Sure, it’s useful for a thief, but what does it do to the person inside - the one who’s being ignored? That’s just one of the incredibly subtle ways that Gilman makes a statement in this series.
Dismiss anything unique as “silly”.
- A demon who looks like a polar bear? I admit it, I scoffed. Sure, it was cutesy. But he was supposed to be a “fucking demon” (to quote Jason Lee in Dogma). Never mind that this gives a character who could very easily become one dimensional a depth and richness that moves his story from trite to significant. No one takes a monster who looks like a cuddly stuffed animal seriously, after all. So neither did I; I didn’t look any deeper.
Don’t give a decent book a second chance. Or even a first chance, if you can help it.
- I’m ashamed to admit that I only read Staying Dead a second time because I won a signed copy in a contest and – after months of seeing it still sitting on my shelf – I guiltily decided that I’d better at least READ the damned thing before I found another home for it*. That, and because I agreed with so much of what the author was saying on her website. SURELY, if I liked her non-fiction blogging so much, there must be SOMETHING to like in her fiction too, right? So I decided to read it again.

This was in fall of 2010 and I was in a much different place than I had been. When I first read these books, I was single and bitter about it. I was lost, lonely, and was just starting to gain back some of the confidence and self-esteem that had been destroyed by a bad relationship. Now, I have been happily married for a handful of years and have learned to say things like “No” and “I don’t need you in my life”. Back then, I was happy with a two-dimensional heroine who had what I thought I wanted in life (ruthless ambition, a pair of leather pants, and the power to make sure no one ever hurt her again). The more mature me of now has decided she’d like a little real life (a little moderation, a bit more than a wee taste of fun, and most definitely no chafing from leather pants) in her fantasy, please, kthxbai.

Moreover, now that I have grown a bit older (no comments from the peanut gallery, please) and have begun to take myself more seriously as a writer, I can look deeper into the story and see the grace and finesse. Now, I can appreciate Gilman’s obvious experience as an author and what she’s trying to do as an artist. I had previously (idiotically) been dismissing the very things that make this series so interesting and unique. I’m now three books into the series and I’m waiting to get my hands on the fourth. The only reason I took a break is because my TBR shelf was giving me sullen stares when it thought I wasn’t looking.

So, kiddies, don’t be like me. Just because you’re not in English Lit anymore and just because genre novels aren’t the usual college fare doesn’t mean that you have to turn your brain off when you’re reading a novel. (Although that’s fun sometimes, too!) So pay attention, be on the lookout, and don’t forget to eat your Wheaties. Oh, and give the Retrievers a look. You might be as surprised as I was on your first (or second) time through.

*And in case you’re wondering: no, you can’t have my copy. I’ve changed my mind. It’s not going anywhere.

A Precious Gift, or How David & Leigh Eddings’ Books Taught Me to Be A Decent Human Being

Books, Discussion, Featured, Life, Praise 4 Responses »

Apr 262011

I’ve done lots of stupid things in my life. I think just about everyone has. Regardless, I try not to spend a whole lot of time on regrets because if even one thing in my past were changed, I think the whole domino pile of craziness would collapse — and, well. I kind of like where I’m at now.

So I only really ever had one big regret, and it has nothing to do with past loves or big mistakes or foolish choices.

It is simply this: I never got to meet David or Leigh Eddings. If you’re not familiar with this King and Queen of Epic Fantasy (and why aren’t you?), then you’ve probably never read the series known as The Belgariad. Or the ones titled: The Mallorean, The Elenium, The Tamuli or the stand-alone The Redemption of Althalus.

The Belgariad in particular is a universal, coming-of-age, farm boy becomes a King kind of epic fantasy. Yes, that’s become a familiar trope but dare I say (and yes, I do) that even if Eddings did not do it first, then at least he did it best. This is a truly world-encompassing tale with sorcerers, knights, both benevolent and evil gods, and a pair of dueling prophecies that could shatter the entire universe with their opposition.

I admit it – I read this series when I was very young. I read it, and loved every bit of it. From the illiterate kitchen scullion to the fiery-haired princess to the magic-wielding aunt to the curmudgeonly old story-teller/sorcerer. I didn’t love it in the same (lesser) way that I enjoyed Dragonlance, which I read at about the same time. That was adventure, but this was something else.

The Belgariad is carried not by its plot (which is, though entertaining, fairly predictable for anyone familiar with the fantasy genre), but on the backs of its characters. Garion, our hero, is very young when the story starts and is essentially “raised” during the course of the books. From his practical old friend, Durnik, he learns the value of hard work and that the best course is always honesty. From the old storyteller, Belgarath, he learns that many things can be accomplished based on the way others perceive you. From the burly Barak, he learned swordsmanship; from the knight Mandorallen, bravery; from the spy Silk, cunning and wit; from the horse-lord Hettar he learned a sort of stoic justice; from Her Imperial Highness the Princess Ce’Nedra, he learned passion; from his impulsive friend Lelldorin, he learned devotion. And from his aunt, the sorceress Polgara, he learned the value of boundless love.

As Garion learned these things… So did I. As I read of serpent queens and mad gods, I was also taught the value of self-worth, honesty, the real meaning of courage, practicality, and much, much more.

When I am exhausted, defeated or lonely, I come back to this story, these books (and, to my great satisfaction, I am not the only person I know who does this). The characters are all the oldest of my friends. Each one has a voice of their own in my head, and I could probably quote long portions or at the very least tell the whole tale without reference. It was only recently that I started to wonder at the fact that it seems very apparent that The Belgariad taught me how to be a good person. I am grateful for that, more grateful than even I could know, I think.

So it was with a heavy heart that I heard of Leigh Eddings’ death – on my birthday, no less – in 2007. Later, I read with real devastation the announcement of David’s own death in 2009. Gone were my heroes, the most beloved of the hundreds (thousands?) of authors I have read. I think it took me another year or maybe even two before I realized the full tragedy: I would never meet either of them, would never hear them speak at a convention or book signing, and I would never possess a signed copy of any of these books.

Until now.

Slip case and cover

A dear, dear friend who has often spoiled me far more than I truly deserve has done it yet again. (There is a reason, my dear Reader, that she was the best “man” at my wedding. We could find no better person – woman OR man.)

#280!

This is a Signed, Numbered, Hard Cover, Slip-Cased, Limited, FIRST edition of The Redemption of Althalus. Althalus is, of course, my favorite of Eddings’ work now that I’m an adult. The Belgariad is an old childhood friend that taught me everything I know about growing up. Althalus is the devious, incredibly fun friend of dubious morality – a perfect grown-up companion. Garion’s world is where I retreat when I’m feeling beaten. Althalus’ realm is where I go when I’m feeling sort of naughty*. (*In a “short-sheeting the bed” prank-y kind of way, not the Adults Only kind of naughty.)

I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve friends like this, but boy am I grateful for them. And? Not only do I have the one thing I never thought I would (which is the second best option to actually meeting David and Leigh, which would be sort of difficult at the moment), but apparently the dough that was ponied up for this book also went to benefit the people of Japan after their recent disaster(s). That, I think, would make Durnik awfully proud.

I’m not ashamed to say I cried when I realized what I was holding. I don’t think that even after this entire post that I can really express to you what it means to me to be holding a tiny piece of the history of two people that, despite my never having met them, made a very large difference in my life. It is a gift beyond measure, and I am doubly blessed that not only can I hold it, but that I have a friend who would go to this distance to put this most significant gift into my hands.

The only way I could think to repay her (since she would not accept anything else) was to share this story with you.

And Now For NEW Fiction From Leanna Renee Hieber!

Books, Featured, Praise 2 Responses »

Feb 142011

An Exclusive new piece of fiction from the award winning, bestselling Strangely Beautiful series by Leanna Renee Hieber

February 13th, 1894, café La Belle et La Bete, London

It was late at La Belle et La Bete, and the rest of what was once the Guard- though they’d always think of themselves as the Guard- had gone home. Josephine cleaned up alone behind her smooth wooden bar, offering a few choice admonishments in French to the ghosts who wished to readjust her glassware. She heard the key in the front door lock and smiled, sliding a heaping glass of wine across the bar for the richly dressed blonde man in a foppish coat who strode towards her, a grin engaging his sharp features.

“Ah, ma cherie, and where have you been?” she asked, her French accent always heightened around him. Because he liked it.

“The rich have many errands,” Lord Elijah Withersby said with a lofty chuckle.

Her lover of nearly twenty years, Elijah was now five years her husband. The pretense that had hid them as a couple felt silly now, but they’d long kept their affair away from their unlikely band of six spectral police. Not because they cared about the opinion of their fated coterie, but because the Guard were dear friends and frankly the romantic dynamics between them had been wretchedly uncomfortable. A tangled mess of love triangles, none of them, save Josephine and Elijah, were requited.

But Miss Percy Parker changed all that in the fall of ‘88, had made their group of six into seven, among many other spectacular things. Her sweet and radiant presence too, had changed the dynamics of the Guard, allowing for love to take precedence for once, for all of them. Josephine would always cherish Percy most for that.

Elijah flopped down at the bar, making a face at The General, a resident ghost in a uniform of the late 1700s who had been drinking at that very spot for far longer than they’d owned the place.

“So, my sweet,” he began at a drawl, absently tapping his bejeweled rings on the stem of his wine glass. “You’ve been making broad hints about tomorrow and I’ve learned I ought not ignore a lady’s hints. Is there something I should be aware of, else I dash myself upon the treacherous rocks of feminine expectation?”

Josephine looked at her husband pointedly. “The date, tomorrow, Lord Withersby.”

“Ah, yes, the 14th of February. Wretched month, February.”

“This barkeep needs to know if she should mend and press her finery for an engagement or if she should keep her apron on instead to reluctantly serve the enamored coming through her doors.”

“Saint Valentine. The man was beheaded, you know. That’s romance for you. Beheaded, I say. There’s hardly anything known about him, why he’s all cherubim, hearts and arrows is a mystery. Perhaps he was known for marrying Christians but as for love notes, flowers and sweets; it’s the fault of Chaucer and this fool romantic age. Would you have me go to absurd lengths for Chaucer’s sake?”

Josephine shrugged. “For me.”

He arched an eyebrow. “For absurd French sentimentalism?”

“I don’t know about French sentimentalism any more than English.” She curved her lips at him. “But we French are better at the ways of love…” Her look had him shudder delightedly in his chair.

“That you are, my pet, that you are…”

“And it is a day marked to celebrate love, no matter how obscure or unrelated the traditions.”

“And so I should put stock in a calendar mandate of romantic notions?”

“Well, you have before. We live in a society run by men, dear, and men need calendar dates to remind them to attend to basic niceties for their women. I recall many nice things you’ve done for me on certain appointments.”

He leaned in over the bar. His cravat woven with shimmering thread and tied with a too-large bow bounced a bit as he spoke. “And since when am I predictable?”

Putting glasses on a shelf she replied over her shoulder. “Never. Not even in living with you, as your wife, do I dare make assumptions or take anything for granted. Why do you think, then, that I ask?”

As far as Josephine was concerned, they were only going about their fond verbal volley as usual. But Elijah’s face darkened, and his voice was a terrible murmur. “Because you think I’ll fail you.”

There was a disquieting silence. Oh, no, would he bring that up?

Josephine reached out but he drew his hand away. “No, cherie, of course not, you know-”

“Leave it.”

His tone gave her pause and she returned to cleaning.

Elijah had once- goodness was it fifteen years ago now- done something terribly unpredictable indeed. Abandoned the Guard. It was a mess. Being without their mentalist, had put them in danger and had cost a young life… But that was then. Elijah had repented, long ago thrown himself again at their feet and into Josie’s arms. She’d tried not to take on the guilt that had collared her when he left, after a private fight… Still, it had everyone second guessing Elijah then, and it still lingered like a ghost so many years later. Even haunting her.

She should know better, she thought, leaving Elijah to his glass of wine, dabbing oil on a rag to polish the ornate carved wooden corners of the bar shelves. She knew how his mistake pained him, and that the wretched event had indeed occurred in February, not too long from this date so marked by Victorian sentiment. She alone knew the depth of his burden but only he could truly reconcile it, and she prayed he someday would. The child that perished still quite truly haunted him, especially near the anniversary of his death. But that was Elijah’s journey, his cross to bear.

They each had their own private crosses.

Josephine pined for Paris and thankfully these days she was free to go on a whim. The Grand Work had tied her to London, and while never denying her French identity, she called herself a Londoner, loved the city, its people, and particularly her husband, this ridiculous second son of a marquess. But she’d been known even then to take a few discreet days in that magical city, to breathe deeply and cleanse her palette of the spectral weight the Grand Work heaped on their souls. As long as she wasn’t gone long and stored up paintings for the Guard to hang at the scene, her absence was not keenly felt. She herself considered that as the Artist, she was the least important of their group, though she’d be the only one to ever say so.

Getting away from the city would also do Elijah good, especially around this troubled time. She angled for a romantic excursion as much for his sake as her own need for beignets, baguettes and to gaze down at the Seine.

Hearing a step near the landing she whirled around, ready to say whatever she could to smooth the moment. Was he simply going to walk out? Would they pass an unspeaking night in two separate ends of his fine estate? They two were dramatic souls, passionate souls, there was always a tension, but never enough to overturn the love they’d fought for since their youth… They’d never have lasted this long if they weren’t made for one another… She opened her mouth to protest his departure but the bells on the door were already jingling.

Something near her, white and rectangular, caught her eye.

There was an envelope upon the bar.

The note read: “For partaking in absurd French sentimentalism. I do wish you’d trust me one day, Josie my love.”

Inside were two ferry tickets across the channel and first class train tickets to Paris. They’d leave in the morning. His errands that kept him from dinner were there in the envelope. Josephine couldn’t hold back her smile, or the tear that always came into her eye when he did these small yet profound things.

Maybe this year, she thought, her husband would return to London just a bit less haunted by his past than when he left. She hoped.

Regardless, Josephine’s heart was as buoyant as if cupid had skewered it with arrows and was flying away with it. She did trust him. With her life.

– Finis –

What’s next in the Strangely Beautiful series? Be sure to check out Michael and Rebecca’s novella in A Midwinter Fantasy, anthology available now in digital, releasing in Trade paperback in October. The next novel? A prequel! Learn the dangerous, heartbreaking how and why of the noble sacrifices made to clear the way for Miss Percy and Alexi’s destiny (and if you’re Elijah / Josephine fans, witness their first kiss) in The Perilous Prophecy of Guard and Goddess releasing May 2nd in digital and Trade paperback, along with Strangely Beautiful books 1 and 2 reissued in Trade as well. Fall marks the launch of my new Gothic Victorian Paranormal series set in a 1880s New York City under the threat of black magic, MAGIC MOST FOUL (November 1st from Sourcebooks Teen Fire)

Keep track of the goings on:

Twitter: @LeannaRenee

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/lrhfbfan

Blog: http://leannareneebooks.blogspot.com

www.leannareneehieber.com

Cheers and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Not Another Year End Post

Featured, Life Comments Off

Dec 312010

Not Another Teen Movie One of Those Year-End Posts

Well, yes – this is one, but it’s me, so we’ll all hope together that it’s at least entertaining.

So, 2010 is drawing to a close and, according to the Mayan Calendar Fruitcakes, we’re all going to die in less than 2 years. So everyone had better get their TBR shelves cleaned up pretty damned soon, right? That is what comes to YOUR mind when you hear the end of the world is coming, right? That you’d better get all those books you’ve been meaning to read off the shelf and read?

Seriously, though – the end of the year is a good time to look both backward and forward. In fact, our calendar instructs us to do this. January is named after Janus, the two-faced Roman god of gateways, doorways, and beginnings and endings. His two faces looked both backward and ahead (presumably so he could see his enemies coming – he was Roman, after all!)

So put on your Janus-face, we’re going to hit the time machine.

Looking Back – Some highlights from 2010:

There was my favorite series of posts this year – the Kiaras Festivus celebration (also known as – my birthday!) in February. My birthday is always my favorite time of year, so that’s no surprise.

March brought the short but thought-provoking Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker. My review was linked on Twitter by Janet Reid, a literary agent I greatly admire, and so I spent the rest of the month sort of starry-eyed. I’d link to the tweet, but Twitter ditches them after so long, so other than my personal archive, I don’t think it exists anymore.

There were several awesome reviews in April, including Blood of the Demon by Diana Rowland, Demon Bound by Caitlin Kittredge, and Gail Carriger’s Changeless.

We saw Waiting for Fairies’ second ever guest post in May by the estimable Jessica. The review was Kristin Cashore’s Fire. This is a book I’m STILL trying to find the time to read, based on Jessica’s recommendation.

Another personal achievement was my first-ever published book blurb quote. The quote is inside the front of Shades of Gray by Jackie Kessler and Caitlin Kittredge. The blurb is for the first book in the series, Black and White. [Link is to my review.]

There were some more awesome reviews throughout the summer, but in order to keep this short, I’ll skip over them. Check the archives if you’re interested.

On the writing side of things, I participated in National Novel Writing Month (and failed spectacularly to meet my goal). Right now, we’re in the middle of DéJàWriMo, my own original NaNoWriMo “do-over”. I’m not doing all that great at that one, either, but we’ve still got a month to go, so we’ll see.

Looking Ahead – Forward into 2011:

To repeat myself, we’ve still got one more month of DéJàWriMo. (There’s still time to join, if you’re feeling spunky!) Look for a check-in post next week (hopefully).

I’ll also be doing Kiaras Festivus again this February – and I’ve got some tentative plans that will be bigger, badder, & better than last year! (P.S – I’m looking for guest posters and if anyone would like to sponsor a giveaway, give me a ring at kiara@thisdomainname.com.)

I have plans to very soon do a review of the brand-new-shiny Nook Color that I bought myself for the holidays, so look for that within the next couple of weeks. I also have about 50 reviews (okay, exaggeration – but A LOT) of recently read books to post for you and there’s a few dozen more on my shelves waiting.

2011 is looking to be a busy and productive year. There’s a landslide of new and awesome books coming out this year, and – along with the ones I’ve already got – I may be buried under an avalanche of new stuff to read pretty soon. That’s not a bad way to go.

To all my readers out there – may your new year be filled with things you love and may you want for none of the things that make you happy. I’m wishing you all a shady spot beneath a sunny window, curled under a blanket with a cup of your favorite brew and a new favorite tome to read, and – stuffed in your pockets – all the spare minutes you need with which to read it. Happy New Year.

Meet Tor’s New Bouncing Baby Twins

Books, News Comments Off

Dec 102010

Like Fantasy? Like Steampunk? Then I have some good news for you.

Tor.com has announced the creation of two “satellite sites” exclusively for sharing some of the best content found around the ‘net in the fantasy and steampunk genres. Basically, these are Facebook “fan” pages and accompanying Twitter streams.

Would you care to meet these two cute li’l additions to the Tor family? I knew you would.

Meet @TordotFantasy. She’s the eldest by two minutes*. She likes dragons and swords and kicking major evil booty. I think you should meet her.

Don’t forget @TorSteampunk, either. She enjoys gears and goggles, bustles and dirigibles. Give her a call.

*Note: This is completely untrue. I made that up just now. I have no idea which idea came first – but it’s an interesting thing to speculate, right? Kind of like the chicken and the egg!

Pick your poison: Click the links in the text to go to the Twitter pages and the images if you’d rather go to Facebook.

What else has Tor.com got going on? Well – they’re holding a series of Countdown to the Winter Solstice Giveaways. Click the link to find out more information and get in on the winning.

And since Stubby the Rocket (Tor’s mascot/logo) is traveling full-speed ahead into holiday swing, you might just want to keep your eyes peeled for more wacky goodness from our friends at Tor.com.

In other news – stay tuned here at Waiting for Fairies for an upcoming review of the new NookColor from Barnes & Noble!

Dragon*Con 2010

Featured, Life, Misc 2 Responses »

Aug 192010

Ah, Dragon*Con! (Click the banner for link-y if you don’t know about Dragon*Con, you poor soul, you!) How do we love thee? I’m not going to count the ways, because I’ve got a dragon-sized headache today.

Though I will say that this year will be my third at Dragon*Con, or D*Con as it’s affectionately known.

My first year was back in 2005, when I spent the weekend following my dear elder (self-adopted) sister around like a puppy, mostly hitting up Wheel of Time Track panels and getting hopelessly lost. The highlight of that year was getting to meet, speak to, and get an autograph from Robert Jordan. Sadly, Mr. Jordan has since passed away; that panel & signing will be among my best D*Con memories. (That, and the Varsity at close-to-midnight, feeling like I had somehow found my way onto the set of The Fast & The Furious.)

In 2006, I returned – then fiancé in tow – and, since all of our friends were going to be there anyway, we went ahead and got married, too. I’d give you the highlights, but I honestly don’t remember much. I was kind of a nervous wreck that weekend. I do remember having lots of laughing friends around me, and a supportive set of not-parents (who I’m still trying to think up a way to repay), and that’s all that really matters, right?

So 2010 will be our triumphant return to Atlanta. I know, it would’ve made more of an impact to wait until our 5 year anniversary. But we’re impatient. So sue us.

With that said, I’m very excited to be heading back to Atlanta. I’ve got a huge assortment of things that I want to see this year. I’m not famous enough to be on any panels, but here’s a list of a few things I want to attend.

2010 Dragon*Con Sort-of Schedule

Thursday 9/2: We’ll be arriving sometime Thursday afternoon & hope to get registered before the big crowds. The last time we were there, I remember long lines to get through, but I hope D*Con’s management has found a better way to hand out badges. (I’m crossing my fingers but not holding my breath!)

Friday 9/3: I’d really like to see the Coca-Cola Museum this time around (60 varieties of Coke! *swoon!*), so I’m hoping to do that Friday morning, since most tracks don’t get geared up until Friday afternoon. At 5pm, there’s a Dragon*Con Tweetup in the Lobby of the Hilton. After that, I’m looking kind of open… Anyone (who’s not a homicidal murderer) want to tag along for dinner?

Saturday 9/4: There’s a ton of stuff to do!

10AM is the Dragon*Con parade! If you’re going, you don’t want to miss this. I know it’s early, but get up for it – you won’t regret seeing all of nerd fantasy-dom taking over downtown Atlanta!
At 11:30AM, there’s going to be a YA Lit Craft Hour (Marriott-707). Since I’m all crafty and stuff, I’m intrigued – if I can make it!
Cherie Priest is also doing a 1-hour autograph session at 11:30AM (Marriott-M301-M304), and I’d really like to get my copy of Boneshaker signed.
Then, at 1PM, Brandon Sanderson is doing a Q&A session on the new Wheel of Time book, Towers of Midnight (Hanover C-E). That’s one thing I don’t want to miss! Remind me to tell you sometime how I met my husband because of WoT!
I have a conflict at 2:30PM, because Cherie Priest is doing her Clockwork Century panel (Westin – International C) at the same time as Jackie Kessler is going to be on the Growing Up Scared – Young Adults in Dark Fantasy panel (Hyatt-Montreal/Vancouver). I’m not sure which of those I’ll be able to make. We’ll have to see. But I really want to see Kessler, because I’d be thrilled to get my copy of Shades of Gray signed, and she does NOT have a signing listed on her schedule. *sad face*
At 4PM, the Art Show has an Artist Trading Card workshop (Hanover G). I’m not really an artist, but I’ve heard that there’s such a thing as Author Trading Cards, too, and I’d love to see a workshop on those.
Then, of course, I couldn’t miss An Evening at the Winespring Inn (Regency V), from the WoT track, at 10pm. I sure hope I’ll still be awake by then!

Sunday 9/5:

I bought my artist-husband a ticket to Stan Lee’s autograph session on Sunday, but they haven’t given a time for that so I’m crossing my fingers that it doesn’t conflict with…
Jim Butcher’s interview (Centennial I) by the Dark Fantasy Track at 10AM.
Then I have yet another conflict, as the Developing Characters Readers Never Forget panel (also attended by Cherie Priest) is at 2:30PM (Hyatt – Manila/Singapore/Hong Kong), as well as the first-ever Wheel of Time Mad Libs (Kennesaw). That’s REALLY a conundrum!
Then at 4PM is the Wheel of Time costume contest (Marriott – A601-A602). I don’t really have a costume, but I love to see all the shawls!
At 7PM there is a Wheel of Time Sword Form demonstration (International North).
And a Tower of Midnight fan discussion at 8:30PM.

Monday 9/6 is, sadly, the day we leave to return to normalcy.

And there’s several things I don’t have times or schedules for yet at all. I’m hoping Jim Butcher has a signing at some point, because I’d like to get my copy of Backup signed, and something for my sister for Christmas. (Shhh… Don’t tell her!) There’s also a quick sketch contest that the Art track is putting on, and dear Resident Artist would like to get in on that. As far as I know, though, they haven’t released a day or time. And I haven’t run across even a website for the Writer’s Track but I’m sure there are panels there that I’d like to see (and the one, above, on Sunday at 2:30PM may be part of their track, but I can’t be sure because I can’t find a schedule).

One also has to account for the requisite trips to the Art show for their limited edition prints from attendees, as well as to the exhibition and dealer’s halls.

And in case anyone would like those schedules…

The Art Show is open: Friday from 1 to 8PM. Saturday & Sunday 10AM to 8PM. And Monday from 10AM to 4PM.

Both the exhibit (there are two) and dealer’s halls are open: Friday from 1 to 7PM. Saturday & Sunday 10AM to 7PM. And Monday from 10AM to 5PM.

Further, the Guest Hospitality Suite (or Con*Suite), where you can score free snacks and drinks, is open: Thursday from 8PM to 1AM. Friday through Sunday 9AM to 6PM and again 8PM to 1AM. And on Monday from 9AM to 6PM. You need a valid ID if you visit between 8PM and 1AM. Not sure why.

This and more info can be found on the Dragon*Con website. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Daily Dragon either via RSS or Twitter so you don’t miss any updates!

That’s pretty much where you’ll find me all weekend, barring last minute changes to accommodate friends. The schedules I’ve linked to are mostly tentative, so they could be subject to change. Hopefully we’ll be getting the real-live programming grids soon. Keep your eye on http://dragoncon.org for more details.

If anyone would like to meet up with me (and I’d be completely flattered if you would!) in between any of the above panels, please feel free to either message me via Twitter (I’m @kiaras.) or email me at kiara @ this domain dot com. This domain being waitingforfairies.com, of course.

http://dragoncon.org

Book Blogger Appreciation Week

Books, Life 2 Responses »

Jun 092010

I didn’t even know they had this, so I’m especially pleased to be hearing of it in time for nominations.

From the BBAW blog:

Book Blogger Appreciation Week is a week long festival celebrating the community of book bloggers and their contribution to preserving a culture of literacy through book reviews and recommendations, reading reflections, and general bookish chat. BBAW also includes an awards component. For more information on the BBAW 2010 Awards and how to participate, please visit the BBAW 2010 Awards Blog. BBAW events include daily blogging topics, blogger interview swaps, special guest posts, and so much more!

So in order to be nominated (in a Niche category, which is where WFF would fall), a book blogger must link to 3 reviews and 2 other posts written between August 2009 and June 2010 for consideration by the BBAW judges.

Looking back over the last year or so of blogging, I’m awfully proud of everything Waiting for Fairies has managed to do in that time frame. I hope the next 12 months are just as exciting. With that said, the following are the 5 posts I believe are “tops” from the past year.

My review of Rob Thurman’s Trick of the Light – which, sadly, the publisher has declined to pursue. So the September release will be the last in this series.

The massive, Waiting for Fairies Holiday Gift-Buying Guide. (And I still recommend books as the perfect gift!)

My favorite post from my birthday celebration, the Kiaras Festivus Author Focus post on Rob Thurman. (I tried, I really did, to find something different than another Rob Thurman post – but I believe this one is the best written out of that series of posts.)

Probably my favorite review ever – for Robin Becker’s Zombie-tarian novel Brains: A Zombie Memoir.

And, finally, the review for the 2nd volume of my newest favorite vampire series: Jaye Well’s Mage in Black.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week this year will be held from September 13th – 17th. I hope you’ll all look up your favorite book blogger that week and tell ‘em how much you appreciate them.

BzzAgent Product Reviews for May/June

Life, Praise Comments Off

Jun 022010

I’ve never done this before at Waiting for Fairies, but I figure – Hey, it’s my blog! I can do what I want!

Some of my readers already know that I participate in a website known as BzzAgent.

What is BzzAgent?

From the BzzAgent About Page:

BzzAgent creates a deep connection between consumers and brands to activate word of mouth across social and offline media. Through the engagement of our network of passionate, vocal and connected consumers, we provide companies the ability activate large-scale discussions, uncover hidden value, and drive measurable results. We believe in unpaid, unscripted ethical and authentic conversations (only!).

So what does that mean?

It means I sign up at the above website to get free products & coupons to try. I tell people about my experiences & review the products. I’m not obliged to like the product or to post a good review if I don’t honestly believe in it (kind of like with books! )

I’ve never posted any of those product reviews at WFF before. Mostly because I had structured this site to be all about books. With the merging of Waiting for Fairies with the Moonlit Glade – and, thus, more personal posts – I feel freer to share these things with you.

I’m currently participating in three different BzzCampaigns. I have tried 3 separate & very different products recently, and now I share my experiences with you.

Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless

I received this product line free to try (foundation, concealer, the eye cover up and blush). The foundation container was incredibly hard to figure out how to open the first time (the Cover Girl website has instructions – I wish I’d received them!).

This makeup promises that the color will “float on top” of your fine lines & wrinkles. Well, I am only 30 and don’t have many of those, but I didn’t notice much of a difference – it doesn’t “minimize” so much as it just doesn’t “emphasize” fine lines. Which is probably about the best effect one can expect from makeup.

The Soft Honey shade that I was sent was a bit too dark for me (I am very, very fair); but since I wore it at an outdoor wedding, I have since darkened to match. (Haha.) I recommend (just as I would for ANY makeup) that you apply & blend somewhere with natural light. I applied it under florescent light at first and it blended horribly & didn’t look good at all. So get in a nice light where you can see what you’re doing. (This part may have been affected by the fact that the shade was too dark for me. Your results may vary.)

On the plus side, a little bit of foundation seemed to go a very long way, so while the container looks pretty small, I think it could actually last quite awhile. On the negative – the eye concealer didn’t seem to do much, so I had no use for it, and the blush was really dark (but blended well and I did use it). The correcter, on the other hand, was great!

I was pleased with the moisturizer in the foundation, as my skin is also very dry. My skin felt better after a couple of days wearing this foundation. Overall, I think the product is certainly worth the money and I will be purchasing it to use again (perhaps in a shade lighter this time).

Scrubbing Bubbles Extend-A-Clean Power Sprayer

I have to admit that I don’t do much cleaning around the house. Most of that is done by my husband, who is proud to be a house”wife”. With that said, we both tried out the power sprayer part of it on the shower, because the automatic trigger was pretty cool. It was simple and easy to use – just pull back on the trigger & you get a continuous spray of cleaning product. No more wearing out your finger just spraying the bottle!

I didn’t stick around for the wiping down part of things, though. I’m not that kind of a wife. *laugh* But I quizzed J most thoroughly on the subject and he said that it was very easy to wipe off and cleaned the shower just as well as any other product on the market. He was extra impressed with the way the product cleaned the sink area – so impressed he even used it on the floor! And it did an excellent job on that, too.

What I liked most about it, though, was the smell. I’m sensitive to the scents of most chemicals, so the bleach-and-Pine Sol combination that J usually uses in the bathroom gives me headaches. I was thrilled at the pleasant, not-chemical-y scent of this. In my opinion, that’s worth purchasing it for alone.

göt2b smooth operator

I received a free coupon for a container of mousse for this campaign – which I have to admit that I haven’t picked up yet. However, I was also sent something they call a “Lustre Lotion“, which I have used.

This lotion is supposed to:

Shape, Smooth and Control Fly-aways.
Impart an Amazing Weightless Lustre and Softness.
Protect against Damage from Heat Styling and Contains a UV Protectant.
Control, Silken and Splurge with this Smoothing Lotion.

And I’d have to say it did everything admirably except the “lustre and softness” part. My hair doesn’t feel any softer or look any shinier after using it (and perhaps it might feel a tiny bit less soft than it did).

However, it did tame the fly-aways in my very fine hair on an extremely hot and humid day. And it did that without weighing down my hair or making it look greasy or like I was using “product”. With that and the UV protection (I don’t heat style), I’d say it’s worth using. Especially since it smells pretty amazing, too!

Wrap-Up

So those are the products I’ve tried lately and my thoughts on each of them. As I mentioned earlier, I do have several really good coupons for each of these products. If you’d like to try them, leave me a comment and a contact email so I can get your mailing address. I’ll send the coupons anywhere a US 1st class stamp will take them (so, US addresses only). First come, first serve and I’ll close the comments on this post at the end of the week.

Overall, worth the $., June 2, 2010

This review is from: CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation, 0.40-Ounce Package (Health and Beauty)

I’m another BzzAgent and received this product line free to try (foundation, concealer, the eye cover up and blush). The foundation container was incredibly hard to figure out how to open the first time (the Cover Girl website has instructions – I wish I’d received them!).

On the plus side, a little bit of foundation seemed to go a very long way, so while the container looks pretty small, I think it could actually last quite awhile.

I was pleased with the moisturizer in this, as my skin is also very dry. My skin felt better after a couple of days wearing this foundation. Overall, I think the product is certainly worth the money and I will be purchasing it to use again (perhaps in a shade lighter this time).

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If Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder…

Life, News Comments Off

May 252010

Then you guys’ll love me next week!

Tomorrow I hand over the keys to the Fairy-Hunting-mobile to a guest poster. Jessica has been a friend of mine for several years now and always provides an intelligent, insightful opinion on… pretty much anything she sets her mind to.

I can assure you that you’ll all be in wonderful hands. I know for a fact that Jessica has a most interesting review of Kristin Cashore’s Fire for your reading enjoyment on Thursday morning. And who knows what else she has up her sleeve? (I sure don’t… I’ll find out with the rest of you!)

I’ll be off for a long weekend Road Trip of Intrigue! And! Adventure! And probably a wedding… If I don’t get lost on the way.

I’ll see all you lads and lassies next week. (Unless you’re on Twitter, because, I mean — really. Who’s going to give up Twitter for six whole days?)

Would You Like To Guest Post? And Other Miscellanea

Books, Life, Misc, News, Procrastination Comments Off

May 112010

Okay, first off, I know it’s incredibly short notice. But. I’ll be out of town the week of May 24th and am interested in hearing from anyone who’d like to guest post on WFF that week, or possibly early the following week. Readers, writers of the published or unpublished variety, or anyone vaguely interesting would be welcome. Topics should relate to books in some way, but I’m open to exotic variations. If you’re interested, email me at kiara AT waitingforfairies DOT com, and we’ll talk. We’ll work in some extreme pimp-age for your own website/Twitter feed/other (non-pr0n) site while we’re at it. And I’m open to returning the favor at a later date.

If I can manage to get some rest from all the overtime at Ye Olde Daye Jobbe and from family obligations, I’ll have reviews for you from:

Devon Monk’s MAGIC ON THE STORM [link]
Leanna Renee Hieber’s THE DARKLY LUMINOUS FIGHT FOR PERSEPHONE PARKER [link]
And I still need to say a bit about Jim Butcher’s CHANGES (I think I’m still recovering from that one! Brutal!) [link]
As well as the fact that I’ve just received my copy of Peter V Brett’s DESERT SPEAR [link]

So I hope you’re all looking forward to that. I know I’m looking forward to having all that stuff written and the work gone from over my head. Ha!

The short story I promised my writing partner, which is now over a month late, I think (It was an arbitrary deadline, but a deadline nonetheless.), still continues, although slowly. But I’ll take any progress rather than none at all, at this point. I’ve promised myself 15 minutes a day on it. If, at the end of those minutes, I want to quit working, then I can. I usually don’t want to, but must, because I’m typically scribbling furiously in a tiny notebook during a coffee break at work.

Ah, well. A writer does what a writer must. Right?

Wouldn't You Like to Write a Novel Too?

Misc, Progress & Processes, Rants, Writer's Life Comments Off

Oct 302009

“I’ve been thinking about writing a novel. But I just haven’t found the time.”

How many times have writers of all ages, ability, and publishing status heard these words or something like them*? This is probably the most irritating statement you could ever make in a writer’s presence. (At least, I can’t think of a worse one. Even a bad review is better than that.)

I am a (mostly) unpublished writer. And even I have heard this.You might as well just punch me right in the gut. It would have the same effect.

You see, writing a novel is a job. It’s a skill. It’s something that writers work very, very hard for. It’s not something one can complete in a day, or a week, or even a month**. In order to write well, one must do even more than that – a writer must complete one or two or seven or more novels before they come close to being publishing ready.

Most people believe writing is easy. And in every day life, it mostly is. Anyone can scratch out a note, make a list, or dash off an email. That lulls most ordinary people into the perception that writing a novel would be easy. It’s just a long letter, right?

Then again, I can run, but that doesn’t convince me that I could be a professional athlete. I can do a bit of 3D animation, but I wouldn’t just decide one day that I was going to go work for Pixar, either. I can tell you the symptoms of the common cold but that doesn’t automatically give me the knowledge and dedication that it takes to become a doctor. Why in the world do people remain convinced that absolutely anyone could write a novel and get it published with a wave of their hand – “if [they] only had the time”, of course?

“I could make up a great story like that, man!” Said with a snap of the fingers.And maybe you could. Far be it from me to try to crush anyone’s dreams. In fact, the first couple of times I heard this presumptuous statement, I tried to be encouraging and excited for the speaker. I pointed them toward NaNoWriMo and bestowed heartening words that I thought might help them toward their professed big dream.

After dealing with two or three of these people, though, I realized something. These people have no intentions of ever sitting down to write. They have absolutely no concept of the amount of work it takes to actually do the thing that they’re talking about. Nowadays, I just give those people a pained smile and change the subject.

It’s the equivalent of someone who knows the basics of folding a paper airplane deciding they are going to build a Boeing jet in their back yard. Yeah, they might be able to do it one day. But right now, they have no idea of the hard work, the dedication, the blood-sweat-and-tears, the money, the long hours, the putting-off-of-doing-the-dishes, the self-doubt, the despair, the thrill, the joy, the heartache, and the team of devoted professionals it takes to construct a whole new world one tiny wheel-sprocket-nut-bolt verb-adjective-noun-metaphor at a time and then to release the whole beautiful thing into the wild.

I’m not saying don’t do it. In fact, if that’s your dream, then you shouldn’t let me or anyone stop you. But please, for the sake of my sanity, don’t dismiss it as a simple, easy thing to do. It’s not.

*Rant inspired by the wise, hilarious, and read-worthy Patrick Rothfuss.

**Yes, I do know about NaNoWriMo. I love it. I have participated every year since 2004. This DOES NOT mean that your NaNovel is ready to go out on submission to agents or editors on December 1st.

Authors I Admire: Robert Jordan

Praise, Writer's Life Comments Off

Oct 112009

I’m introducing a new series here at MG, one that I’ve been thinking about for awhile. These posts will focus on authors I admire and why. It could be something related to their writing or something they’ve said or done outside of their books. This series of posts will tell you, in detail, which authors I believe are worth the admiration.

The first author would, of course, have to be Robert Jordan. No other author has done more to change my life.

Robert Jordan was the author of The Wheel of Time series. He passed away from illness in September of 2007. The epic fantasy Mr. Jordan left incomplete will be finished by Brandon Sanderson, an author I’m sure we’ll see later on in this series. To read about his life and his passing, in both his own words and those of his fans and family, please go here.

As I said, Mr. Jordan has done more for me than any other author out there. It was his writing that hooked me first. I was going through a bad time in my personal life and I went out and found the longest series with the thickest books that I could find. I don’t believe anyone can deny that The Wheel of Time fits this requirement.

Not only did the story absorb and distract me in difficult moments, but something possessed me to go out into the digital world and try to find a community of people I could talk to about Jordan’s work. I needed, at that moment, to find people of like mind. To be blunt, it was a desperate time for me and I needed friends.

The Wheel of Time community at Dragonmount became that and much more to me. At the forums there, and on the WoT (as fans lovingly call the series) mailing list, I founded friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I adopted two sisters, a circle of friends… And it was there that I met my husband. I would say “love of my life” but that phrase is so cliché as to be embarrassing. (It does not make it less true, however.)

These people helped and supported me while I was busy dragging myself out of the mire of a terrible time in my life. And I owe it all to the words and wisdom of Mr. Robert Jordan.

Of course, maybe your life right now is fine and dandy. So why should you go out and pick up what is probably the most anticipated series in the world – one that’s still not quite finished? The answer is this: because inside the fantasy trope of a young farmer who is trying his best to save the world from evil there is love and laughter, strife and pain, longing and disaster. Mr. Jordan wrote about life in a way that tells you unequivocally that he lived it.

May the Mother’s embrace have carried you home on wings of gold, Mr. Jordan. We still miss you.

The Pen Name Kerfuffle

Books, Rants, Writer's Life 2 Responses »

May 162009

So I had a few thoughts on pen names and the obligation (if any) of authors to disclose that they are using such. These thoughts stem from a small controversy over a recent Locus article in which Kim Harrison, author of the best-selling Rachel Morgan/Hollows series, revealed that the name – and much of the persona – is a nom de plume. Since the rest of this may end up not being a very nice article, I will tell you here that Kim also writes mainstream fantasy as Dawn Cook. Go look her up. I read The Decoy Princess, not knowing it was the same author, and really enjoyed it. Once you’ve done that, if you still want to hear my opinion, come on back.

Let me state plainly that my personal opinion is that those people who are accusing Kim¹ of being a liar are acting like entitled, conceited, selfish little witches². Note that I say acting like because I don’t know these people personally, so I can’t say that they ‘are’ anything. I can only base my opinion on what I’ve seen and heard of their behavior on the internet. And that behavior has been appalling.

Regardless of her reasons – which I understand to be a combination of personal family safety issues and the trends of the market³ – the use of a pen name (or not) is an author’s choice and has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of what’s between the pages. An alias can be used on a book for any of dozens of reasons, and all of them are valid. Yes, including the “she just wanted to dress up and mess with people” one.

But you know what? I don’t believe that last one of Kim at all. I’ve been following Kim’s work since Dead Witch Walking first turned up on book store shelves. I’ve watcher her interact with fans online for years and even met her in person several times. I will say I do not know her, but I feel that I have learned enough to say that Kim has been one of the kindest, most genuine authors I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.

Now, as a (part-time, mostly unpublished) author myself, I’ve spent time drawing my own conclusions from the pen name debate. I considered using one and ultimately discarded the idea. Why? Because the truth is much too easy to find on the internet. If I someday do end up selecting a nom de guerre for marketing or other reasons, I foresee being mostly open about that fact. However, the ultimate decision is a personal one, and I would expect my fans to respect that.

I find this current trend of outrageous entitlement in regard to an author’s life and behavior appalling and offensive. We purchase their books for the stories, people. Authors are not selling us stake in their personal lives. The money we spend on the book(s) entitles us to the words on the cover and the ones between the pages and nothing more. To quote Neil Gaiman: “[Authors are] not your bitch.”

If an author wants to play Xbox 360 all day instead of writing the next book in their series, discuss their sex lives on the internet (though I don’t recommend that one) or even pretend to be someone who’s not backed up by the information on their birth certificate°, well then guess what? You don’t get a say on that. Feel free to take your diatribes off to a corner of the internet where you can kick and scream. That’s what it’s for, right? But personally attacking the author on his or her website, mailing list, Facebook page or anywhere else they have an online presence is not only disrespectful but makes you look like an idiot. One in which I will take great joy in mocking.

So jump off your high horses and try not to break your necks on the way down, my dears. Once you’ve gained your equilibrium again, come back here later this week for an article on the best new authors I’ve just read (and now you should, too).

¹ I will continue to call her Kim because that’s how I was introduced to her work.

² I’m trying to be nice, but you can insert your own word choice here, if you like. And no, I’m not talking about the kind of witches who live in the Hollows.

³ David B. Coe wrote an excellent and informative article on why market conditions may pretty much force an author to use an alias. Find it here. Which I was going to link to; but it has since disappeared from magicalwords.net.

° I will conceed one exception to this rule: books marketed as being ‘autobiographical’ which – aren’t.

WIN a Copy of White Witch, Black Curse!

Books, News 3 Responses »

Mar 232009

Ok, guys and ghouls – I managed to somehow end up with two hardcover copies of Kim Harrison’s newest release, White Witch, Black Curse. Simce I’m keeping one for my greedy self, I’m willing to send my extra copy to one of you.

Here are the rules:

I can only mail the book to continental US addresses. If you’re international and you have a great American friend who’d forward the book to you, then feel free to enter. I’ll send it to you (or your friend) with delivery confirmation. If you’re mailing to a friend, once it’s in their possession, you’re on your own.
Contest will run through 11:59 PM April 1st, 2009. Winners can expect their prize within 1-4 weeks after that (depending on the post office and my own laziness – I won’t lie to you.)
Winner will be chosen randomly.
Duplicate entries will disqualify you.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post. Try to make it constructive. Tell me why you like Kim’s books, why you deserve to win, or continue on from the last contest and give me your favorite Hollows swear.

Good luck.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Life, Praise, Procrastination, Writer's Life Comments Off

Aug 312008

Want to get to know me? Here are a few of my favorites.

Favorite author(s)?

Kim Harrison, Faith Hunter, Anne Bishop, James Clemens, Jim Butcher, and childhood favorite David Eddings

Favorite food?

Longhorn’s 8oz. Renegade sirloin, well done, with Texas cheese fries and the deep fried cheesecake for dessert. Mmmmm.

Favorite color?

Purple, black, crimson

Best time of day?

Mid- to- Late morning. I’m useless until I’ve had my caffeine, but if I wait too long to work I let myself get distracted.

Favorite season?

Fall. I’d say spring, but I have terrible allergies.

Most unusual hobby?

American Tribal bellydance

Want to know more? Leave a comment with your questions.

Americans Do Read

Books, Rants 1 Response »

May 102008

People everywhere are talking about Steve Jobs’ recent comments on the Amazon Kindle:

â€œIt doesnâ€™t matter how good or bad the product is; the fact is that people donâ€™t read anymore. Forty percent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year.â€

Yet business seems to be booming for those in the book publishing world. The NY Times reported that:

In 2008, book publishing will bring in about $15 billion in revenue in the United States, according to the Book Industry Study Group, a trade association.

Not such a dinosaur after all, are they Mr. Jobs? Speaking as someone who owns well over 700 books of all shapes, sizes and genres, I find it offensive that Steve Jobs thinks that Americans don’t read. My entire circle of close friends (nearly 20 people!) are all extensive readers and I have many more acquaintances who enjoy reading a book now and then– certainly more than one a year!

That’s why I plan on joining the rallying cry to prove Mr. Jobs wrong, along with everyone else who thinks as he does. See this post for more info on joining up. I’ll also be tracking my 50 books on this site. Please see my tracking page here.

If you have any comments on this, I’d love to hear them. Please consider posting a comment, some support, or a link to your own 50 book challenge.

Shelfari's 50 Book Challenge

Books, Misc, News 1 Response »

May 102008

DIrect from Shelfari.com:

When asked about the new Amazon Kindle product, Steve Jobs CEO of Apple computer had this to say:

â€œIt doesnâ€™t matter how good or bad the product is, the fact is that people donâ€™t read anymore,â€ he said. â€œForty percent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year. The whole conception is flawed at the top because people donâ€™t read anymore.â€

Welcome to the the 50 Book Challenge, where we fly in the face of Steve Jobs.

Basically …. the challenge is to read 50 books in one year. OR … establish a goal for yourself more or less, it’s up to you, just because we say 50 books doesn’t mean that has to be your goal too.

What a stupid, stupid thing to say, Steve Jobs. Do you have the data to support your statistics? I think not. So I will be participating in Shelfari’s call to action. Right here on this blog, I’ll be posting my progress toward reading 50 books in the next 365 days.

If you are a reader, please join us in fighting this assumption that Americans (or Canadians, or Martians for that matter) aren’t readers. If you don’t have a blog where you can track your progress, you can post from Shelfari’s forums, or start your own blog at WordPress.com (or similar). Whatever you do, if you choose to join us, post your link here and spread the word!

Sacred Space: 10 Rules For The Office Restroom

Life, Rants 4 Responses »

Sep 042007

Heading to the restroom at work is a necessary evil; it’s one most people can’t avoid. However, there are ways to keep this evil from becoming a blight upon your day. Here are my personal tips for making ‘rest breaks’ a better place.

Do not make personal calls from the stall. People in the room to take care of business do not want to hear yours. The person on the other line does not want to hear flushing. This rule includes talking to your friend as well as calling the credit card company, the telecommunications company, or the video store. (Yes, I have heard all of these topics discussed in the next stall over.) The worst thing is being the person in the next stall needing to flush but not wanting to be rude. My rule on this? If you’re on your cell phone in the restroom, you’ve already proven you’re rude. Flush away, people.
Do not do your business standing up (ladies’ room only). The person who comes in after you does not want to sit in your DNA. No, you aren’t talented enough to do this and not make a mess. Don’t even try it. And for Pete’s sake, make it into the toilet– not all over the floor! If your cheeks are too holy to touch the seat, that’s what the thousands of paper covers are for. Use them. This is an office building, not a rock concert and there should be no alcohol involved.
Wash Your Hands. (This is for men, too!) Yes, I capitalized that one on purpose. This is just gross. Don’t want to be the only person in the office next week? Then prevent the spread of the next Black Plague by washing your freaking hands before leaving. WITH SOAP. Any teenage fast food worker could tell you: Proper hand washing consists of: warm water, antibacterial soap, disposable towels, and 20 seconds of scrubbing. Sing ‘Happy Birthday‘ twice if you have to. Just don’t do it out loud.
No conversing through stall walls. This one is mostly broken by the ladies. There is a time and a place to gossip. This is not it. Not only is it revolting to be speaking with someone while doing #1, (Let alone #2!) but you never know who’s in the last stall listening in. It’s only smart to keep your conversations somewhere you can guarantee they’ll stay private.
Brushing your teeth. The jury’s still out over whether this is a faux pas or not; but one thing is clear. Rinse the damn sink when you’re finished. This isn’t your personal bathroom, and the next person who comes in doesn’t want to stare at your used up toothpaste. Blech.
Don’t spray buckets of perfume/cologne all over. Yes, we know what you’re trying to cover up. No, it’s not working. Sometimes, the perfume smells worse than what you were trying to hide. Not to mention that you have to spray a gallon of the stuff to make a dent, and by that time, the next person to come in ends up with an allergy-triggered migraine for the rest of the damn day. (Yes, that’s ME!)
Follow the unspoken placement rule. This is an undocumented guideline. Count how many stalls there are. Four? Five? The last two are always used for… ‘longer downloads’. The first two or three are normally used for quick visits. This is adjusted, of course, based on current occupancy. As the saying goes, “If you gotta go, you gotta go.” If you must, take whats available; but try to keep this small piece of etiquette in mind.
Leave your coffee mugs and water bottles outside. There’s nothing more disgusting then bringing something you put in your mouth into the space where you do your business. It may be one thing to do it at home, when you can be relatively certain of cleanliness; but at the office? How do you know the cleaning crew got around to wiping down that ledge below the mirror?
Clean up after yourself. If you dribble on the seat, wipe it up. If you drop a paper towel pulling one from the dispenser, pick it up. Please don’t leave tampon wrappers on the floor. Each stall has a waste bag for that for a reason. Some of us like to pretend that we’re not stepping into a cesspool and risking our health every time we need to pee. Help maintain the illusion but not leaving anything disgusting behind.
All users are created equal. What does this mean? It means your direct supervisor, the department head, and the company president (or anyone in between) probably does not want to chit-chat with you while they’re taking care of their own business. In this space, all people are created equal. Unless one of your superiors speak to you first, smile and nod and keep your trap shut. Do your flattering in the meeting room; not the restroom. Your boss(es) will thank you.

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