Laura Anne Gilman's Blog, page 57
September 9, 2014
and now for something completely silly....
We accept our diplomas with the same gravity and solemn demeanor with which they were handed out…
September 7, 2014
Busy weekend of nothing much at all...
An end-of-summer cookout at a friend's house, brunch with another friend to discuss Life Things, finally getting around to doing my ALS "ice bucket" challenge, cleared out more stuff-I-no-longer-use, had a nice long skype session with another friend to discuss Life Things, and did some household chores, and some pleasure-reading.
In other words, it was a weekend. :-)
(And the weather's finally broken to something more appropriate for September, yay! If I'd not had insomnia Saturday night, it would have been near-perfect).
Tomorrow, though, we're back at warp 9, work-wise. Lots of things to do before year-end, and we're already in the 4th quarter....
How was your weekend? What do you have up for the week?
In other words, it was a weekend. :-)
(And the weather's finally broken to something more appropriate for September, yay! If I'd not had insomnia Saturday night, it would have been near-perfect).
Tomorrow, though, we're back at warp 9, work-wise. Lots of things to do before year-end, and we're already in the 4th quarter....
How was your weekend? What do you have up for the week?
September 2, 2014
Your Cute of the Day. Okay, it's not cute animals. Okay, actually it is.
The world - delays, irritations, and stupidity - are making me cranky today. This gifset cleared most of that up like a shot of feel-good antibiotics...
There is, in fact, nothing that is not feel-good about this. I mean, if you happen to like watching two guys - fully clothed, get your minds out of the gutter - showing "I love my fucking job" joy... And double that when the two guys are Mark Sheppard and Misha Collins.
http://beginte.tumblr.com/post/96395287414/sociopathicassbutt-first-of-all-no
There is, in fact, nothing that is not feel-good about this. I mean, if you happen to like watching two guys - fully clothed, get your minds out of the gutter - showing "I love my fucking job" joy... And double that when the two guys are Mark Sheppard and Misha Collins.
http://beginte.tumblr.com/post/96395287414/sociopathicassbutt-first-of-all-no
Hi! Didja miss me?
I'm home from DragonCon.
It was a blast, even though I didn't get to indulge my fannish side as much as I'd have liked (too damn busy!). Great panels, enthusiastic audiences, Jess brought me brownies (they were GOOD), people liked my reading, I got to see fellow writers I don't get to see often, had some excellent meals, talked some business, and my flights on either end were smooth (air) sailing.
And I even got to the gym three days out of four.
And then I came home to two of the NEEDIEST cats ever, a pile of work that needs to be done as of yesterday, and weather that didn't get the "summer is over" memo.
My goals for September:
1. Do All The (work) Things.
2. Sleep All The Sleeps.
Yes, I do see the inherent dilemma there. We're working on it.
It was a blast, even though I didn't get to indulge my fannish side as much as I'd have liked (too damn busy!). Great panels, enthusiastic audiences, Jess brought me brownies (they were GOOD), people liked my reading, I got to see fellow writers I don't get to see often, had some excellent meals, talked some business, and my flights on either end were smooth (air) sailing.
And I even got to the gym three days out of four.
And then I came home to two of the NEEDIEST cats ever, a pile of work that needs to be done as of yesterday, and weather that didn't get the "summer is over" memo.
My goals for September:
1. Do All The (work) Things.
2. Sleep All The Sleeps.
Yes, I do see the inherent dilemma there. We're working on it.
August 28, 2014
Off to DragonCon....
But first, I am dropping CatofSize off at the vet's, for boarding, because nobody was able to give him his 2x/day insulin shots was I was gone. I feel like the Worst CatMommy Ever.
(he's not spent a night not-at-home since we moved in together).
The Kitten, not needing 2x/daily care, will be staying home with varied caretakers. Hopefully his social nature will survive not having his big brother around 24/7.
(yeah, Worst CatMommy Ever).
But despite all that, I will ATTEMPT to have fun at DragonCon. Panels! Drinking with fellow writers! Readings! Meeting New Peoples! Signings! Trying not to die in the Atlanta heat! (ugh).
I've also send down a box of backlist books, including a number of Anna Leonard paranormal romance titles. If you're going to be at D*C, take advantage of my cleaning-out-the-closets sale! ;-)
As always during conventions, look for me on Twitter...
(he's not spent a night not-at-home since we moved in together).
The Kitten, not needing 2x/daily care, will be staying home with varied caretakers. Hopefully his social nature will survive not having his big brother around 24/7.
(yeah, Worst CatMommy Ever).
But despite all that, I will ATTEMPT to have fun at DragonCon. Panels! Drinking with fellow writers! Readings! Meeting New Peoples! Signings! Trying not to die in the Atlanta heat! (ugh).
I've also send down a box of backlist books, including a number of Anna Leonard paranormal romance titles. If you're going to be at D*C, take advantage of my cleaning-out-the-closets sale! ;-)
As always during conventions, look for me on Twitter...
August 26, 2014
The semi-occasional self-shilling....
okay, since I have the unexpected cost of the boarding fee to pay for, time to do the semi-occasional self-shilling thing....
Like urban fantasy? Check out the Cosa Nostradamus books, starting with STAYING DEAD for capers, or HARD MAGIC for forensic magic, or MILES TO GO for half-fatae PIs!
Like epic fantasy? Multi-national adventures? Or the idea of wine-based magics? Check out the Nebula Award-nominated VINEART WAR trilogy!
More in the mood for something mysterious? Check out L.A. Kornetsky....
Check 'em out Via this Link....
And if you've already read these and liked them, consider giving the author a belated birthday gift, and posting a review on Amazon, B&N, or Goodreads.... because word of mouth does more good for a writer than this sort of shilling-to-the-already-here! :-)
Like urban fantasy? Check out the Cosa Nostradamus books, starting with STAYING DEAD for capers, or HARD MAGIC for forensic magic, or MILES TO GO for half-fatae PIs!
Like epic fantasy? Multi-national adventures? Or the idea of wine-based magics? Check out the Nebula Award-nominated VINEART WAR trilogy!
More in the mood for something mysterious? Check out L.A. Kornetsky....
Check 'em out Via this Link....
And if you've already read these and liked them, consider giving the author a belated birthday gift, and posting a review on Amazon, B&N, or Goodreads.... because word of mouth does more good for a writer than this sort of shilling-to-the-already-here! :-)
DragonCon 2014 Schedule Repost, with Additions! And Locations!
Please to note:
a) I have a reading. If you want to know what's coming up in 2015, you will be at that reading. Bringing me chocolate will be optional, but appreciated.
b) once again, I'm going to be on a panel with Laurell Hamilton and Jim Butcher. Come to this panel. Scream devotedly when I introduce myself. I will throw YOU chocolate.
(now with locations! Or what they're telling ME the location wlil be...)
Friday:
-------------------
11:30am-12:30pm: Strategies for the Castrophies of Publishing
Description: Stuff happens, right? Come and learn what options exist if your publisher bankrupts or your editor quits midstream--among other catastrophes.
Location: Embassy D-F - Hyatt
-------------------
NEW! 3pm: Signing at Missing Volume (in the dealer's alley)
-------------------
1pm-2pm What's Next in Urban Fantasy?
Description: A panel of industry professionals discuss existing and upcoming trends in the urban fantasy publishing field.
Location: Chastain ED - Westin
-------------------
10pm-11pm: The Uses of Enchantment: Magic in Urban Fantasy
Description: Authors in the field discuss the various magical systems used by their characters
Location: Augusta Ballroom - Westin
Saturday:
Signing at the SFWA Table: 1:30pm
(yes, I will have books, in case you realized you missed something in the backlist and Missing Volumes or Larry Smith couldn't help you out!)
Sunday
-------------------
11:30am-12:30pm Supernatural Thrillers: Mystery and Suspense in Urban Fantasy
Description: Often a core characteristic of the genre, our authors discuss the importance of the elements of mystery and suspense in their work.
Location: Chastain ED - Westin
-------------------
2:30pm -2:30pm Reading: Laura Anne Gilman
(if you want to know what's coming up in 2015, you need to be here! Plus, SPOILERS!)
Location: Edgewood - Hyatt
-------------------
4pm-5pm Dragons of SF
Description: We discuss dragons who are, like the Pernese dragons, creatures who owe nothing of their existence to magic.
(I'm moderating this one, because apparently my constant use of dragon-variants has been noted...)
Location: Embassy A-B - Hyatt
-------------------
8:30pm-9:30pm Out of the Deepest Darkness
Description: What makes a villain great? What characteristics make him rise above the ordinary? This discussion will reveal the secrets of extraordinary villainy. Mwahaha.....
Location: Embassy D-F - Hyatt
I will also be holding the reins at the SFWA table at various times during the weekend, depending on how guilty I feel when they need me. So feel free to stop by, see what we're giving away, and who might be lounging about! It's one of the surest ways to encounter that author you didn't know was at DC and would have kicked yourself if you'd missed!
a) I have a reading. If you want to know what's coming up in 2015, you will be at that reading. Bringing me chocolate will be optional, but appreciated.
b) once again, I'm going to be on a panel with Laurell Hamilton and Jim Butcher. Come to this panel. Scream devotedly when I introduce myself. I will throw YOU chocolate.
(now with locations! Or what they're telling ME the location wlil be...)
Friday:
-------------------
11:30am-12:30pm: Strategies for the Castrophies of Publishing
Description: Stuff happens, right? Come and learn what options exist if your publisher bankrupts or your editor quits midstream--among other catastrophes.
Location: Embassy D-F - Hyatt
-------------------
NEW! 3pm: Signing at Missing Volume (in the dealer's alley)
-------------------
1pm-2pm What's Next in Urban Fantasy?
Description: A panel of industry professionals discuss existing and upcoming trends in the urban fantasy publishing field.
Location: Chastain ED - Westin
-------------------
10pm-11pm: The Uses of Enchantment: Magic in Urban Fantasy
Description: Authors in the field discuss the various magical systems used by their characters
Location: Augusta Ballroom - Westin
Saturday:
Signing at the SFWA Table: 1:30pm
(yes, I will have books, in case you realized you missed something in the backlist and Missing Volumes or Larry Smith couldn't help you out!)
Sunday
-------------------
11:30am-12:30pm Supernatural Thrillers: Mystery and Suspense in Urban Fantasy
Description: Often a core characteristic of the genre, our authors discuss the importance of the elements of mystery and suspense in their work.
Location: Chastain ED - Westin
-------------------
2:30pm -2:30pm Reading: Laura Anne Gilman
(if you want to know what's coming up in 2015, you need to be here! Plus, SPOILERS!)
Location: Edgewood - Hyatt
-------------------
4pm-5pm Dragons of SF
Description: We discuss dragons who are, like the Pernese dragons, creatures who owe nothing of their existence to magic.
(I'm moderating this one, because apparently my constant use of dragon-variants has been noted...)
Location: Embassy A-B - Hyatt
-------------------
8:30pm-9:30pm Out of the Deepest Darkness
Description: What makes a villain great? What characteristics make him rise above the ordinary? This discussion will reveal the secrets of extraordinary villainy. Mwahaha.....
Location: Embassy D-F - Hyatt
I will also be holding the reins at the SFWA table at various times during the weekend, depending on how guilty I feel when they need me. So feel free to stop by, see what we're giving away, and who might be lounging about! It's one of the surest ways to encounter that author you didn't know was at DC and would have kicked yourself if you'd missed!
August 19, 2014
I have two speeds: done early, or running late...
I have checked in for my flight tomorrow to Dublin and Shamrokon. I have settled on what I'm taking, made sure I had all the carry-on things I need (passport, cables, chargers, euros in wallet, medications), packed it all into as small a bag as I can manage, and printed out the cat-sitter information.
There may be on-location updates, there probably won't be. Twitter, as usual, will be the way to go if you're looking to catch sight of my virtual shadow.
Dubliners and early-arriving convention-goers, I'll hit town mid-morning on Thursday. If you're around and want to do lunch/drinks/dinner/wandering around town, I'll be at the hotel and/or reachable via text....
There may be on-location updates, there probably won't be. Twitter, as usual, will be the way to go if you're looking to catch sight of my virtual shadow.
Dubliners and early-arriving convention-goers, I'll hit town mid-morning on Thursday. If you're around and want to do lunch/drinks/dinner/wandering around town, I'll be at the hotel and/or reachable via text....
things I've learned
Ported over from Tumblr.
People are always desperate to give what they wish others would give them.
The worst suffering anyone can experience is suffering alone.
Hoard as many good memories and experiences as you can. Be wealthy in laughter and smiles. It’s currency for when shit happens.
Emotions aren’t problems. They can’t be fixed, they simply exist. It’s like trying to cut water with a knife.
Emotions are symptoms of your experiences, in the same way swearing hysterically is when you stub your toe.
Emotions are like water. It can be carried. It can be drunk to nourish you. It can clean you. It can also drown you. Water is a force of nature and there is an ocean inside you.
The people around you are reflections of who you are. The people around you are the people you think you deserve.
Money makes things a business contract. Always honor your contracts, but be careful not to sell your heart. If you do, though, it’s all right. Hearts grow back. It just can take a while, like trees.
If anyone gets offended because you’re having a hard time, don’t talk to them until they apologize. You may get your apology or you may never talk to them again. Either one is a victory.
Falling outs, divorces, or breaks between people are growing pains. People learn with each other. When people stop interacting with each other, there is nothing left to learn.
Sympathy for the dead doesn’t exist. They are dead. The sympathy is for the living that has to deal with the dead.
Compassion is a strength, no matter what everyone says. It’s fucking difficult to care, especially when people shame you for it. That’s exactly why you’re stronger for it, because they’re too scared of being hurt.
You’re never the same person tomorrow as you are today.
If you’re tired, sleep. If you’re hungry, eat. If you’re thirsty, drink. It’s amazing how often people need to be told this.
August 18, 2014
this is what the world is driving me to...
Acquired on Sunday.To be fair, it was not consumed in one go (had it been, I'd be in a gulcose-dump coma on the floor). But even in doled out in small doses, this is deadly indulgence requiring serious penance.
On the plus side, it has kept me from bitch-slapping some human-shaped stupidity, and made it easier to deal with various incoming deadlines and frustrations....
