Forging forward


Got a good start on my list of things to do from my publisher. Of course, going to a wedding, helping my daughter with her AFA grant, working on WWC’s CADA grant, teaching Spec Fic and writing all happened this week, too. But I got a surprising number of the things on my list started!

Book Launch Prep


Had a great meeting with my publisher and between us, we generated quite a list of things to do before the launch. Came home and re-organized my schedule so I can have my end done by launch date!

Book Trailer Videos


Got started filming some of the book trailer videos that Laksa Media will use to launch Bursts of Fire this summer. We did the easiest ones first: filming artists who either worked on, or were inspired by, the novel. Next, we need to edit them to the music.

Writers’ Circle Discussion


Tomorrow, I’m leading a Writers’ Circle Discussion on “The Engines of Character Motivation.” I have a 1-page (2-sided) summary handout to spark the discussion, and if that starts to flag, a character worksheet. But last time I ran a discussion group, we got through 2 questions, so I think I have tons of material.

Teaching Speculative Fiction


My new class has started for the winter semester, and I have six students–nice small group to allow for lots of individualization, but big enough that the discussion can be lively. I am really enjoying this group–they are more than willing to plunge in to the topics, and most of them have also put up some of their work for critique!