And other times!!! So, I posted last week, but 2 of my 3 paragraphs didn’t show up on the post. What I was going to say, is that I am critting a novel for a new member to one of my writers’ groups and there are definite challenges when critting someone you have only had one conversation with. One always wants to be helpful, but a writer has to be very thick-skinned when getting critted, and I don’t want to offend. I think the best bet is to tread lightly . . .
Critiquing new writers, and other things
The gathering of my Kensington Writers’ Group was great. People’s careers are really taking off. Not only did Shenaaz have lots of interesting stories about being a GG nominee, Jan has just signed her contract for the publication of her children’s novel, “Dead Frog on the Porch” (great title, eh?) and she and Francis had cool stories to tell about their weekend at the Surrey Writers’ Conference. Also, we have a new member of our group.
Notice that “Back” is now listed on the SFCanada site
Have a look at Canadian SF for all the awards in Canada, latest news in Canadian SF, as well as all the works eligible for the Auroras. I just posted “Back” (Analog, June 2008 — you can read it right here on my website under “Publications”) which will be eligible for the upcoming Auroras (to be presented at Anticipation in Montreal this summer) as well as for the current Nebula award. I already have two recommendations for the Nebula.
TTFN!
Susan
World Fantasy and Counting
Less than a month, now, until World Fantasy — right here in my own town of Calgary! I have the great good fortune to be the host for David Morrell. One of the cool things I am focussing on this month is selecting and reading some of his fiction, as well as researching his biography. In just perusing his website, I noticed that he was an early fan of “Route 66.” I remember that show too, as one I enjoyed well.
Day Job Reality
So, school is back in next week and I’ve been at work already for a week. Amazing how energy-draining the day job can be. However, it’s the weekend now and the day I’ve been waiting for. Back to the novel!
Still, it makes me think . . . how much money does a person really need to live on? A friend who is a highly successful Tor author quite deliberately works during the day at a job that is NOT energy-draining. She is very careful with how she spends her money. And, I am continually amazed at how inexpensively my daughter, a university student, lives. True, when her room and board are free (she lives with me) it helps a lot. Still, she is dedicated to travel to certain cons and to maintain her motorcycle; but clothing, entertainment expenses — she doesn’t have a cell or any of the electronic devices to which most young people are tied — she very simply does without.