Patrice Sarath's Blog, page 17
February 7, 2015
Changelings at the Vortex
When a local Austin theater puts on a play about changelings, you know I have to be there. Fellow sf- fantasy author Jessica Reisman came along and we had a great time.
In Changelings, playwright Reina Hardy put a slightly different spin on the tale of fairies stealing babies, and it was absorbing and fascinating, and by turns poignant and comical. Both Jessica and I agreed that we would have done some things differently (occupational hazard), but for the most part the play works.
The Powers family has always had their babies stolen by fairies. As the play opens, Megan Powers is set to get married to her fiance Tim, and Tim doesn’t know about the family curse. Megan’s brother Luther wants to stop the wedding, and he’s more than a little bit unhinged.
The actors who played the Wicked Child, the Whiteling, and Magus Kemp (Gricelda Silva, Amelia Turner, and Travis Bedard, respectively) stole the show. Turner was especially poignant as the Whiteling.
I was a little bit disappointed in the Faerie Queen, Pandora. Her great wickedness was talked of but we didn’t really see it, and she was too easily overcome. And the play suffers a bit from “powerful women who are the only ones who are weak, selfish and evil” syndrome, which can be tiresome.
It was fun. I’m glad I went, glad to see fantasy and myth on stage, glad to see someone take a chance on what is a weird little play. I’ve got a few stories about changelings and fairies in the modern world, and there’s a reason this myth has staying power — it hits at our deepest fears when babies are stolen or switched, hence our horrified fascination with modern tales of stolen babies.
For my take on a changeling tale, you can listen to my story Into the Dark, first published in Realms of Fantasy.
The post Changelings at the Vortex appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
February 5, 2015
My ConDFW Schedule
I will be arriving late to ConDFW on Friday night and have a pretty full schedule beginning on Saturday. I’m looking forward to it — see you there!
SATURDAY:
MAIN PROGRAMMING (JEFFERSON)
Saturday, 12pm: This Book Should Be A Movie!
Panelists: Patrice Sarath (M), Sabine Starr, Chris Donahue, Angeline Hawkes, Paul Black.
Ever read a book and the universe just fades from around you? Ever read a book and wish you could watch it on IMAX with a bucket of popcorn? We put a bunch of authors behind a table and get them discussing just why their book would make a great series or movie. This could get ugly, so bring popcorn.
MAIN PROGRAMMING (JEFFERSON)
Saturday, 3pm: Q&A with Rachel Manija Brown
Panelists: Patrice Sarath (M), Rachel Manija Brown
We put our Guest of Honor to the question!
READING (ADAMS)
Saturday, 6pm: Rie Sheridan Rose, Patrice Sarath
PROGRAMMING 2 (MADISON)
Saturday, 9pm: Pornography vs Erotica – You Got Erotic Romance in My SF! [Adult]
Panelists: Melanie Fletcher (M), Rachel Manija Brown, Bradley H. Sinor, J. Kathleen Cheney, Patrice Sarath.
Our popular late night panel returns with a twist! With the explosion of erotic romance’s popularity, a lot of SF/fantasy writers are now taking a crack at the genre. Come hear these crossover writers discuss their experiences. Warning, this may be spicy, and is definitely adults only!
SUNDAY:
PROGRAMMING 2 (MADISON)
Sunday, 11am: No Excuses!
Panelists: Patrice Sarath (M), Paul Black, Aaron de Orive, Katherine Sanger, Sue Sinor
Here’s your chance to get out of writer’s block. Tell the panelists your reasons and excuses for NOT writing, and we’ll tell you how to ignore them and get unblocked! Be prepared to participate.
PROGRAMMING 3 (HAMILTON)
Sunday, 1pm: Escape from the Slush Pile
Panelists: Chris Donahue (M), Tex Thompson, Patrice Sarath, Michelle Muenzler, Julia S. Mandala,Katherine Turski
The perennial panel returns as we tantalize people with mistakes and errors you should try to avoid. Beware: someday you may end up here if you do not learn from your mistakes. Come and learn from our editors what to avoid so you don’t end up on – the slush pile.
The post My ConDFW Schedule appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
January 26, 2015
Best short stories of 2015
This time, folks, I’m doing it right. I’m going to keep a running tally of stories that I really liked so that when review season comes around, I won’t be scratching my head going, what did I read again? Feel free to ping me with the stories that you have read so I can read them!
Beautiful Boys, by Theodora Goss. First published in Lightspeed in January 2015.
The post Best short stories of 2015 appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
January 14, 2015
Advice for Ted Cruz on science, NASA
Some notes for Ted Cruz on his new gig as chairman of the Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness. After all, even a Harvard grad can’t know everything about this liberal agenda science stuff. So here are a few tips to get him started.
Dear Senator Ted:
The earth is round and revolves around the sun.
There is a difference between astronomy and astrology, as well as cosmonauts and cosmetology. Ask an aide if you have trouble remembering which is which.
The International Space Station is a truly international community of scientists who are seeking to further human knowledge for the entire world, not just the US. It doesn’t have a death ray.
The most famous astronaut currently is a Canadian, Chris Hadfield. Not sure if you want to embrace him as a fellow Canadian or not.
Most importantly, the aims of the committee are to further America’s scientific research and development. No one expects the Spanish Inquisition.
The post Advice for Ted Cruz on science, NASA appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
January 11, 2015
2015 Convention Schedule
I will be at the following conventions in 2015 (with potentially more to come):
February 13-15
Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre
May 22-25
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, TX
July 24-26
Omni Southpark Hotel
Austin TX
The post 2015 Convention Schedule appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
January 1, 2015
New Year’s Day Resolutions
Do what scares me.
Don’t give NO any power.
Work hard.
Challenge myself.
Get involved.
Take joy.
Remember all the birthdays.
This morning in 37 degree rainy weather I took the plunge into Barton Springs. It was a literal and figurative leap. Here’s what I discovered: even 68-degree water feels cold in the winter. But it’s good sometimes to do something that takes your breath away. Pebbled concrete on bare feet burns with cold. But that just makes dry feet and warm socks feel so meltingly good. Water slipping over skin feels like velvet, like silk, like — oh, just the best sensation of all. The cold on my face and on my feet when I kicked them into the air was a contrast in feeling.
Last year I took on a new day job which I love. It challenges me and excites me. The work I do matters, not just to me, but to the very small company I work for and our clients. I hadn’t understood until I left the previous job how essential meaningful work is to the soul.
This year I want to push harder on the dayjob, for that which pays the bills is as necessary to a writer as time to write in a quiet place.
This year, even though I am afraid to take the leap (see number two above) I must get involved in the political process, instead of just bitching about it from the outside.
So this morning I slipped into cold water. It was a bracing reminder of what I can do.
2015 Barton Springs New Year’s Day plunge.
The post New Year’s Day Resolutions appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
November 24, 2014
Beauty in stone, beauty in water
Cathedral St. John the Divine.
Beauty in water, beauty in stone. The cathedral was absolutely breathtaking. The river had a quieter beauty. It was so peaceful on the river that Sunday morning. Sometimes we have to take it where we can, amidst a raucous world.
Autumn on the Frio.
The post Beauty in stone, beauty in water appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
November 6, 2014
On Point Interview — NaNoWriMo
I was interviewed along with Lev Grossman (The Magicians) and Chris Baty (NaNoWriMo founder and a very persuasive advocate for the event) about the pros and cons of NaNoWriMo. You can hear my point of view at about halfway, right after the second break in the show.
Do You NaNoWriMo?
Spoiler alert: I was the “con” portion of the show. You’re shocked, I know.
The post On Point Interview — NaNoWriMo appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
November 5, 2014
The girls are back in town: Yvienne
Yvienne Mederos
A polite cough broke on her absorption. With a start, Yvienne looked up from the pages of printed contract. A strange man stood in the entrance of the office. He was short and stocky, in a tweed coat that had seen better days, and thick wool trousers, ditto. He was clean shaven, his hairline receding for all that he was a youngish man, only six or seven-and-twenty. There was something about his expression — he had an appreciative look about him, as if he had been watching her for a good while and liked what he saw. Yvienne felt both irked that he had spied on her while she was lost in concentration and agreeably unsettled.
“I beg your pardon,” he said, but he did not sound embarrassed. “I knocked too, but you never acknowledged me.”
“I do apologize, Mister–?”
“Fresnel. Abel Fresnel.” He fished in his vest pocket and stepped into the office, handing her his card.
She took it. It was smudged and bent at the corners. Abel Fresnel. Detecting Man. Harrier Agency.
Yvienne had the curious ability to compartmentalize her emotions from her outward appearance. Inside, she wanted to vomit. She gave him an inquiring look. “How may House Mederos help you, Mister Fresnel?”
“Oh, it’s not House Mederos I’m looking for,” he said. He pulled a chair out from against the wall and sat across from her, crossing his leg and leaning back. He nodded his chin at the card. “I’m looking for you, Miss Mederos.”
“I see. And may I ask as to why?”
“I think you know why, Miss Mederos.”
She gave a little laugh and shrugged. “I have no idea, Mister Fresnel. As you can see, I am very busy today.” She leaned forward and held out his card. “Too busy to play guessing games. Good day.”
He didn’t make a move, and awkwardly, after a pause, she set the card down. She glanced over at the clerks, and knew by the different quality of silence that they were gone to their dinner.
Mister Fresnel had no doubt waited until just that moment to come in.
“What do you want?” Her voice sharpened. She kept her hands on the desk. If one didn’t know to look at it, one would never see the outline of the small compartment built flush into the desktop, where a bit of pressure would release the catch and give her access to her pistol. This man had made no threatening overtures, but Yvienne had no doubts that she faced grave danger.
“I’ve been engaged by the Guild to investigate some matters that involve your family, Miss Mederos. The disappearance of the Guild Magistrate, the fraud against the Mederos home business — a very sad business, that. A real mystery.”
“It’s properly called a House, not a home business,” Yvienne said. He acknowledged the correction with a little nod and a smile. He had a distracting smile. She told herself to concentrate. “And our House was restored six months ago, the fraud revealed and the charges reversed. So we don’t need your help, thanks.”
“There’s still the matter of the missing Magistrate. Some might think that House Mederos would want revenge for his role in the downfall of your family’s home — House — business.”
“Goodness. What are you accusing my family of, Mister Fresnel?”
“Accusing? Are you feeling guilty, Miss Mederos?”
“I’m sorry,” Yvienne said, letting her voice reveal her temper. “Tell me again why you are here? Because, to recap — the fraud was revealed, the perpetrators punished, my family’s reputation restored, and what you call a mystery was solved six months ago. You may now go, sir.”
He sat still for a moment longer, regarding her with a quiet, piercing expression. He had dark brown eyes, a bit of shadow around his jaw, and a plain, angular face. He was entirely an unprepossessing sort of man, except for the impression of strength in his shoulders, and his battered hands. Had he been a prizefighter? she thought, though he didn’t have the broken nose or misshapen ears that classified that profession. No, he was not a brawler, and he was far more dangerous for all that.
She flushed, aware that he had been taking her measure as intently as she had taken his. Fresnel finally stood, taking his time. He nodded at his card on the edge of her desk.
“Keep it. I’m staying at the Bailet Hotel, on the Esplanade. I am sure we’ll be speaking again, Miss Mederos.”
He closed the door behind himself, and Yvienne was left alone in the office. With the imminent danger gone, she allowed herself to take a deep, shuddering breath.
Don’t react. He’s still watching.
She took the card again, as if mildly curious, then stuck it in the small box on the desk where all the other cards were kept. She would take it home later. Still performing, she drew the contract to her, picked up her pencil, and began to jot meaninglessly on it. All the while her mind was racing as fast as her heart.
Someone knew.
The post The girls are back in town: Yvienne appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
October 29, 2014
The girls are back in town – Tesara
Tesara Mederos
“Well that tears it,” said Lieutenant Anais, throwing down his cards on the green baize-covered table. “My luck has been abominable tonight, and no mistake.” He sat back in his chair, and tried to re-light his cheroot with a damp match. Tesara took up one of Colonel Talios’s matches, struck it along the side of the table, and held the flame out to the lieutenant. He gave her a startled look, but leaned forward, and puffed.
“It is too bad, sir,” she said, shaking out the match and pulling her winnings forward. “I thought you had that last hand.”
She had been winning steadily, decent stakes too. It was awkward, to be sure, to be playing at her erstwhile fiance’s mistress’s casino, but there you go — a girl couldn’t have too many scruples. Besides, it was quite lovely to take down the cocky lieutenant, who had been flirting in a most annoying way with her. As if he expected her to be grateful for the attention, she thought. As a result, Tesara had been flirting like mad back, because it was going to be so satisfying to dash his hopes. “But you know what they say,” she added. “No luck for the wicked.”
The crowd of Mrs. Fayres’ friends, a melange of officers, actors, heiresses, and dock lovelies, laughed. The lieutenant grimaced at first, then obviously thought better of it.
“Perhaps you could transfer some of that luck to me, Miss Mederos?” he said, and he kissed his thin lips suggestively.
The crowd ooohed, while Tesara hid her revulsion behind a smile. “Oh, and ruin a perfectly lovely friendship, Lieutenant Anais? I believe in a more spiritual connection over that of the flesh.”
“And I believe five minutes in the garden with me will disabuse you of that quaint notion,” he retorted, his hostility ill-concealed.
“Here now,” Colonel Talios said, with an uneasy chuckle, as if remembering that at one time, he had been thinking of marrying Tesara and might still have an interest in that direction. The lieutenant ignored him.
Tesara felt the spark rise in her fingertips, and she concentrated on sorting her chips. When she had control over her dangerous emotions, she looked up at the lieutenant. She said nothing, merely gave him a level stare. He flushed, and got up with an oath, pushing his chair back so hard it fell over. He stood up, and his attitude was threatening. He reached over and yanked her to her feet, his hand so hard around her wrist that she knew it would leave a re mark until the next day.
“Come with me, girl,” he said, his voice slurred and guttural.
Everything happened at once. The drunken revelers were shocked and owl-eyed, blinking foolishly at the turn of events. Two burly gentlemen pushed their way through the crowd toward them. And Tesara gathered the electricity in her fingertips and pushed it out at the lieutenant. There was a fizz and a crack, the air smelled like a thunderstorm, and the lieutenant was suddenly sprawled on his behind, his mouth and eyes wide with shock and pain.
A woman screamed. Tesara put her hands to her mouth, feigning surprise. One day they will all believe what their eyes tell them, she thought. But tonight they are too drunk and too confused to question.
The post The girls are back in town – Tesara appeared first on Author Patrice Sarath.
