Very cool to be asked by the Alexandra Centre to present their one-day Horror workshop. A bit tricky to plan for, though–I had to plan the full day without knowing who my students were, or their needs. Predictably, though, they were a wide-ranging group. So, in one session I needed to meet the needs of a person there for fun who plays with writing, to a person who has written and published lots! Really kept me on my toes! However, the evaluations at the end were good, so I think the session was positive for most of them.
Rio Hondo
Okay, so imagine the BEST con ever–you’re on the panel AND in the audience–the topics are all over the map; the speakers are incredibly knowledgeable, respected authors; the comments are completely honest; you NEVER get put on the spot (Susan, what do you think of that last point?) BUT, they listen when you have a relevant argument to take the topic further. OMG I am learning so much–and this is just DINNER on the night we arrived for the workshop–
Getting Ready for Albuquerque
A bit nerve-wracking to gear up for Walter Jon Williams’ retreat in New Mexico–but what an opportunity! To get crits from people like Paolo Baccigalupi, Daniel Abraham, Carrie Vaughn and Diana Rowland! Let alone, everyone else–Nebula and Hugo nominees/winners, people who have published in–or edit for–all the major magazines, Locus book reviewers–
But even scarier is I will be critting them!
Cover Art for Immunity to Strange Tales
The cover art for Immunity to Strange Tales, my collection coming out from Five Rivers Chapmanry Press in August is done. I love it!
My first job as a book reviewer!
Now, this is cool. I was invited by editor Naomi Lewis to do a book review for Alberta Views Magazine! The book is right up my alley: a YA fantasy. I have to say, I really enjoyed the book, though it had some flaws. This made it easy to give a balanced view, because there was lots I really loved about it, but some things to critique as well.