monday morning links on writing and the aspects thereof...

I woke up to find this tidbit: "In science fiction there is often a lot of research that has to be done.... In fantasy you get to make up all the rules...." (John Varley, at SciFan Letter.) *looks at pile of research on electricity and weather and lockpicking and security systems I had to do for the retrievers books, and the follow-up research for the PUPI stories, and the huuuuuge pile of historical and chemical research I am doing for the current project, and isn't sure if I should laugh hysterically or bitchslap Varley*

Yes, I know the comment was made in a slightly different context. He still has no idea what he's talking about with regards to fantasy (which he admits he can't write). Worldbuilding of any sort can be done half-assed or it can be done properly. Generally, and IMHO, the results show the effort. Doesn't matter if you're writing about loggers in space, a conflicted 16-year-old in 2008, the aristocracy in 1600's England, or a sword-bearing barbarian in a second-world fantasy.


Meanwhile, John Scalzi talks about the ups and downs of being a Hugo nominee, with a side foray into the dual mentality of the creative type. I am worshipped like a god! Yes! And everyone thinks I suck! Woes!. All true, verily.


EtA: and karenmiller wins for best line I never want to experience before coffee: "There may well be a more disconcerting experience than having a huntsman spider jump down your cleavage, but right now I can't really think of one ..."

And now I have to down some caffeine and get to work before the workmen arrive to renovate my pantry....

EtA2: 9:45, and the first phase of renovations (tearout and replaster) are underway. Boomer Does Not Want (he did the Unhappy Cat Moan loud enough to unnerve the workmen). Pandora has wisely taken off for under-the-bed.

of course I'm confused. I live in two timestreams at once.

Oooo, bookses! A box o' FREE FALL just arrived at my door. *pets the new book* I'm a little cranky about the paper weight they used, but Is Not My Department and Not My Editor's Department Either. The words are still good, and that's what's important.

And is still Pretty Book.

Hrm. Maybe I should run a contest? What say you folk?

Oh, and some more reviews are coming in. I've been Klausnered, of course, and Don D'Amassa is pleased with what he read, describing the Retrievers series as "one of the most consistently satisfying of the current wave of contemporary fantasies with ass-kicking heroines." Y'know, I can live with that.

Soon the first negative review will hit, and I will sulk. I am a god! I suck! etc.

Meanwhile, in the other timestream I managed 1700 2300 2500 new words today. Next chapter kicks it up a notch, and characters disgrace themselves. This damned book needs a title, already. *pokes book impatiently* We have a working title. Waiting for editorial reaction.

Oh, and the contracts for "Dreamcatcher" arrived. Guess I know what I'm reading over, tonight.