Lilith Saintcrow's Blog, page 206

June 28, 2010

Cello, Locks, And Civet Rump

I don't care how "less acidic" it's supposed to be, I'm not drinking coffee that came through a civet's rump.

Oh. Hi. Good morning. I had a fab weekend–for one thing, I visited the Ballard Farmer's Market and ran across Adam Hurst quite by chance. I've been a fan of his for years now, ever since he played before a show at Cinetopia. He's having a concert (that is being taped for OPB ArtBeat, go Adam!) on July 1 in Portland at the Old Church, and if you're a fan of cello music, I highly...

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Published on June 28, 2010 09:48

June 25, 2010

It's Pick My Brain Time!

It's time for a Friday post. But this Friday, I'm going to do something a little different.

From now until teatime–4pm PST here at Casa Saintcrow–I'll be checking in over at the Deadline Dames regularly and answering your questions about writing in the comments. I figure most of you have listened to me pontificate for long enough, and this will also give me an idea of what sorts of things you'd like me to cover in future Friday Writing posts.

Now, we've got to have some rules (more like...

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Published on June 25, 2010 11:27

June 24, 2010

A Few Thoughts

A few thoughts knocking around inside my head:

* No matter how much being a full-time writer sometimes sucks, I really, really like that I don't have to work retail right now unless I choose to. I do volunteer at a bookstore (Cover to Cover Books in beautiful Uptown Vancouver, come and see us!) but I don't have to deal with the General Public every day. As someone who has worked a lot of retail, this pleases me a great deal. Which is why I find this so amusing. Anyone who works retail or food ...

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Published on June 24, 2010 14:03

June 22, 2010

Oh Yes. I'm Cranky.

I do have errands to run. I'm not going to run them. As a matter of fact, I am in full-fledged revolt against the idea of leaving the house today, not least because I suspect I will hurt someone if I go out. I am incredibly cranky today. I suspect I may be coming down with a cold, which only adds. So, today is short but sweet.

There's an interview with me and giveaway for Strange Angels over at Tynga's Reviews. Also, Issendai posted a followup to the sick systems post, in which s/he points...

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Published on June 22, 2010 10:58

June 18, 2010

Be Stubborn, Until You Can Be Familiar. And After.

Crossposted to the Deadline Dames. Check us out!

I'm on Formspring now, if you want to ask me questions. I can't promise to give spoilers, but between that and the fan forum, you can find out a lot. Tempty, tempty.

I am currently in the doldrums of Dru 5. It's the end of the series, which means I have a lot of threads to tie in. Plus, there's always this spot near the end of a book when I'm physically and emotionally exhausted by the damn thing, everything feels like it's pure crap, nobody's...

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Published on June 18, 2010 14:44

June 16, 2010

Reaching Higher

PW says paranormal isn't dead yet. I am, of course, happy to hear this.

Here's something that resonated strongly with me: Issendai on sick systems. Been there and done that, in retail and in relationships. I think I've achieved enough in the way of age and self-knowledge that I'm a little less likely to buy into it anymore. Of course, saying that is just an invitation for the Universe to whomp one upside the head. *braces self, eyes the sky suspiciously* But seriously…knowing it and naming it ...

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Published on June 16, 2010 13:02

June 15, 2010

Good To Be

Want to see how the cover for the new Dante Valentine omnibus was shot? There's a behind-the-scenes video over on the Orbit site. Pretty cool, huh? The omnibus will be out in March '11, and as soon as preorders are available I'll let you guys know.

Yesterday I was pretty much an action hero. I made 10 climbs, 4 of them on 5.8s, which are about the top of my ability right now. Next week my climbing partner and I are going to attempt a 5.9, which will involve a lot more technique and I'm sure a ...

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Published on June 15, 2010 10:54

June 11, 2010

On Characters

Crossposted to the Deadline Dames, where there are giveaways, fun, and other writing advice. It's a party over there!

"I don't know where Danny Valentine came from," I told my writing partner morosely, staring at my water. "She's just so…damaged."

The Selkie raised one eyebrow. "You don't? A person that driven, locked in that tiny little box and going nuts? You've got no idea? Really?"

Well, when she put it like that, I had to concede she had a point. But still. I am not my characters.

I realize ...

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Published on June 11, 2010 16:07

June 10, 2010

Short Story Madness, and Updates!

Yesterday was pretty productive. I know what happens in the entire rest of Dru 5 now, all that remains is to buckle down and see how it shifts in the actual writing.

I posted an excerpt of Dame Devon's Magic At The Gate. I encourage you to go take a gander, it's pretty awesome. Dame Devon posted the only excerpt of Jealousy I will be giving before the book comes out. You can also read the first chapter of Jealousy on the official Strange Angels website; there will be quizzes and lots more...

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Published on June 10, 2010 11:15

June 9, 2010

Smackdown Winner Excerpt time!

And now, ladies and gents, it's the time you've been waiting for! Yes, it's Excerpt Time! Since Dame Devon and I were in a tie for the Dame Smackdown, we're posting excerpts on each other's pages. The Jealousy excerpt should be up shortly. (ETA: It is live, and here!; the book is on preorder here.)

Meanwhile, I am pleased and proud to present a snippet from Dame Devon's upcoming Magic At The Gate, after the jump!

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MAGIC AT THE GATE

"Are we in St. Johns?" I asked

"We're in death," Dad said. "The...

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Published on June 09, 2010 14:26