In the Void

There's a new issue of Beneath Ceaseless Skies featuring a story by my WOTFmate, Erin Cashier! Go look!

Speaking of WOTF, they have claimed in a newsletter that the books will be available in stores (including Walmart) in mid-March.

My illustrator from WOTF, the talented James Galindo, hs given me permission to post his illustration along with my story "Taking a mile" on my web-page. I had to learn a new bit of HTML to get it set up properly, but you can click on the word Illustration, and it will take directly there.

There's also a link to James' web-page there as well. He's got some really beautiful art on those pages (yes, there are a few nudes--this is art, folks, so they're very tasteful.) I think my very favorites are "Sarah's Room" and "War of the Roses" (which was one of his entries for WOTF, BTW).

....is conducting a poll for the next two weeks, the outcome of which will decide which of the six-already-published stories that have not been done as a podcast should be done in that format.

Poll instructions and results (scroll up, I think) here.

"The Dragon's Child" is on that list (and currently in the lead...only because just 3 people have voted so far). I would dearly love to hear this as a podcast*, so I need your help with this one if you liked the story.

You have to either register at the forum or already be a registered member to vote, and you can only vote once, so you'll have to pick between me and the other contenders there (no, I won't get upset if you choose someone else).

Also, this would be a good moment to hit the Subscribe button at the top of the navigation bar and put your name in. It doesn't cost anything, and you'll get an e-mail when a new issue goes live, so you won't miss any of the great stories.
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*Partially because I'm curious to hear how the reader pronounces the names Kseniya and Yun-qi. Yes, I did put Russian and Chinese names in the same story. I suspect that these are the only two that would present a challenge. Mwahahahaha!

A couple of people told me they liked the dragon story over at BCS. Ego-stroking makes me happy!

Today, I purchased bacon for the Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies. I have 2+ pounds of bacon to make 36 cookies. I'm committed now.

The newest issue of Beneath Ceaseless Skies is up, including a story by tinaconnolly. Go read it, and don't forget to subscribe. (It's free, BTW)

We made it home with surprising ease. The airlines faeries were evidently on our side (also the Customs faeries) unlike many other people I've heard about...

I did finally decide to read the story I have upcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, "The Dragon's Child" which will come out on December 18th. Someone had provided a stack of fliers for the freebies table, about half of which I hijacked and took to the reading (yes, I took the left-overs and put them back, I promise). I had already linked up with aliettedb and tlmorganfield at various times, but I also got to meet scbutler, yet another BCS author (whose book, "Rieffen's Choice", I must now run out and buy).

As for the rest of the con? I'll possibly post about that when my head catches up to the rest of me.

ETA: I voted a couple of weeks ago...so don't think I'm being a slacker today.

"The Dragon's Child" has sold to Beneath Ceaseless Skies.

This is a new magazine that should premiere this fall. It will be free online, and can be subscribed to by RSS feed or e-mail. (There's a link on the cover page) Since it's dedicated to fantasy, I really look forward to seeing the first issue!

The entire process from initial submission to contract took 51 days, some of which was eaten up by a re-write. The editor (Scott H. Andrews) was very specific about what he wanted to see in the story, but it did entail some restructuring on my part (you may recall my talking about the re-write back in July.) We went back and forth on a few details after that, trying to get the wording exactly right, but overall it was a very pleasant editorial experience. If you haven't worked with the editor before, I think you'd like him. (I am not possessive over my words. Some people are, I know.)

This is the first of my series of dragon stories, so I'm pleased that it's found such a good home. Now I need to whip #2 into shape and get it out in the field somewhere. (Oddly, #2.5 is already out, but it's one of the side stories and doesn't even have a dragon in it. And #5 is likely to go out by itself soon as well.)