The Work Week Begins, if foreshortened....

[lagilman]

Back on the pony officially this morning, a day or two later than the rest of the world (although I did get work done while I was away, so I don't feel too bad). Coffee brewing, to-do list forming, and a second list of people I have to call/call back/await calls from today.

2009 is supposed to be my Year of Planning Seriously. Yeah, because all my plans previous have been frivolous little fluffs of things, I know....

And I discover that AVG is not accepting my renewal code. I think that goes to the top of the to-do list.

Oh, and to finish up my reading-on-vacation list: For a complete change of pace after THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, I read Georgette Heyers' THESE OLD SHADES, which I'd somehow never gotten to before, and then James Lee Burke's story collection JESUS OUT TO SEA. Beautiful writing, but too many of the stories left me meh. That made me sad, as I'd wanted him to kick my ass instead of numbing it. I know I won't maintain this madcap pace of two novels and a story collection every week, but I'm going to try really hard to keep up with my reading-for-pleasure. Because, y'know, pleasure. That's sorta important.


Oh, and for those of you who live in the EU, I am informed that it's time to register with Public Lending Rights for your pinch of the public library funds... http://www.plr.uk.com/registrationservice/forms/einfo.pdf Never turn down money you've earned!

Comments

[madmoravian.livejournal.com]

First book I'm reading for the New Year: "Falling Free"

[supertailz.livejournal.com]

Have you read "Devil's Cub"? If not you should! It's a not-quite-sequel to "These Old Shades" with Leonie and Justin's son as the main character. Justin features hilariously and Leonie is as not-respectable as ever. Heart on't.

[lagilman]

I think I read that one years ago, but may have to find it again for revisiting, now....

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

What is this pinch of public library funds of which you speak?

[lagilman]

More civilized countries than the United States have a fund that pays authors a royalty when their books are loaned out by public libraries.

It would probably kill most libraries in the States to implement it, so I don't bemoan the fact too much, but it does sting. Especially for non-EU authors who are carried in EU-based libraries, but aren't eligible to receive the payments.

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

Oh, thanks. I don't suppose I could apply for your funds and give them to you?

[karenmiller.livejournal.com]

These Old Shades was the first Heyer I ever read, at uni, for a women's fiction class. Loved it and have been re-reading her ever since.

[lagilman]

this was one of the few I hadn't read -- I discovered her when I was in my teens, and found the genre she 'created' woefully underperforming, ever since.

[karenmiller.livejournal.com]

I've tried, but to me she's the ultimate. So I stick with rereading my Heyer faves, I'm afraid. Though I will say I found Devil's Cub disappointing.

[signeh.livejournal.com]

These Old Shades was my first Heyer as well - it got me hooked on her books, and yeah, she set the bar really, really high; no one else comes even close. Seconding the recommendation for The Devil's Cub as it's delightful on it's own, as it stands up well as a sequel. Have you read A Civil Contract? I think it's one of her best, as it gives some useful insights on marriage and class relations.