Laura Anne Gilman's Blog, page 6
December 18, 2016
Weekend Updatery
The Holiday Season continues at the side gig, so I was on my feet most of the weekend, bringing cheer, good tidings, and libations to all. Or at least, everyone who wandered into the tasting room.
Every time the Snoopy Christmas theme comes 'round, everyone behind the bar does the Snoopy dance. Badly, I should add. But with enthusiasm.
It snowed a little here on Saturday, which means we had a steady if faint shower of snowflakes that never amounted to more than a light dusting. But it was very pretty, and didn't make anyone on the roads panic, so we're calling it a win. Sunday was clear and cold, and I am appreciating my featherdown duvet all over again...
Meanwhile, I wrote many thousands of words, recorded my Behind the Scenes for Patreon, wrapped some packages, and made a Massive Pot of Stew. Which I then ate a massive lot of, because tasty. I'd like to pass on the Epic Fantasy Road Adventure that seems to come packaged with stew, though.
For the wine nerdery:
Tonight's Drinking is a 2010 Duet (94% Cab Sauvignon, 6% Merlot) from Des Voigne - it's a library wine I've been meaning to try, as Darren hasn't made a cab sauv in recent years.
On opening, it was hard to get a sense of the wine, but after about half an hour of patience, it revealed itself with cassis and black licorice and a hint of bittersweet cocoa. It's softer than expected, like any grande dame clearly fading over time, but there's lots of flavor in the glass. Would have loved to've tried it 2 years ago, and if (when) Darren does another cab sauv, I'll totally be lined up for a bottle.
(disclaimer: I work for DesVoigne, but have no financial interests other than my paycheck. )
Every time the Snoopy Christmas theme comes 'round, everyone behind the bar does the Snoopy dance. Badly, I should add. But with enthusiasm.
It snowed a little here on Saturday, which means we had a steady if faint shower of snowflakes that never amounted to more than a light dusting. But it was very pretty, and didn't make anyone on the roads panic, so we're calling it a win. Sunday was clear and cold, and I am appreciating my featherdown duvet all over again...
Meanwhile, I wrote many thousands of words, recorded my Behind the Scenes for Patreon, wrapped some packages, and made a Massive Pot of Stew. Which I then ate a massive lot of, because tasty. I'd like to pass on the Epic Fantasy Road Adventure that seems to come packaged with stew, though.
For the wine nerdery:
Tonight's Drinking is a 2010 Duet (94% Cab Sauvignon, 6% Merlot) from Des Voigne - it's a library wine I've been meaning to try, as Darren hasn't made a cab sauv in recent years.
On opening, it was hard to get a sense of the wine, but after about half an hour of patience, it revealed itself with cassis and black licorice and a hint of bittersweet cocoa. It's softer than expected, like any grande dame clearly fading over time, but there's lots of flavor in the glass. Would have loved to've tried it 2 years ago, and if (when) Darren does another cab sauv, I'll totally be lined up for a bottle.
(disclaimer: I work for DesVoigne, but have no financial interests other than my paycheck. )
December 16, 2016
Patreon Updates!
December's Rant is up for my patrons! Guaranteed politics-free, but with added coffee shop bad behavior...
and for those at the $9+ level, the new flash fiction piece "All Things Considered" is also up!
$1/month gets you entry, if you're not already a patron! Original fiction, Rants, behind the scenes updates, and more! Funds go to support the very expensive medical habits of the Diabetic Feline and his asthmatic brother.
and for those at the $9+ level, the new flash fiction piece "All Things Considered" is also up!
$1/month gets you entry, if you're not already a patron! Original fiction, Rants, behind the scenes updates, and more! Funds go to support the very expensive medical habits of the Diabetic Feline and his asthmatic brother.
December 14, 2016
Brief Updatery
Slightly under the weather today (note to self: scallops are tasty but your system really, really doesn't like 'em), but managed to update the Sightings and Signings page for 2017 with all the most recent, updated, and relevant information!(also: links where you will be able to order signed copies of THE COLD EYE and SILVER ON THE ROAD if you can't make it to the signings in person)
Also, this week's #bookqw is "familiar," so here's your snippet, from DARKLY HUMAN...
Also, this week's #bookqw is "familiar," so here's your snippet, from DARKLY HUMAN...
December 10, 2016
Financial politics, and more to worry about (sorry)
I've mostly avoided talking about politics here (mostly) because I do that shit on Facebook and Twitter. But this article came up in my feed this morning, and it's...credible. And would explain Trump's need to strip-mine the country.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/maybe-the-answer-is-that-he-can-t-divest
Since Donald Trump's surprise election one month ago, there's been a bubbling conversation about the mammoth conflicts of interest he will have if he is running or even owning his far flung business enterprises while serving as the head of state. I've suggested that the whole notion of 'conflicts of interest' doesn't really capture what we're dealing with here, which is really a pretty open effort to leverage the presidency to expand his family business. But a couple things came together for me today which make me think we've all missed the real issue.
Maybe he can't divest because he's too underwater to do so or more likely he's too dependent on current and expanding cash flow to divest or even turn the reins over to someone else.
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/maybe-the-answer-is-that-he-can-t-divest
Since Donald Trump's surprise election one month ago, there's been a bubbling conversation about the mammoth conflicts of interest he will have if he is running or even owning his far flung business enterprises while serving as the head of state. I've suggested that the whole notion of 'conflicts of interest' doesn't really capture what we're dealing with here, which is really a pretty open effort to leverage the presidency to expand his family business. But a couple things came together for me today which make me think we've all missed the real issue.
Maybe he can't divest because he's too underwater to do so or more likely he's too dependent on current and expanding cash flow to divest or even turn the reins over to someone else.
December 8, 2016
The Shameless Reminders of NEW BOOK COMING! begins...
The month before a new book comes out is when the author starts to contemplate hiding under her bed until it’s too late to do anything. Therapists suggest gentle, non-spoilery promotion as a way to deal with these feelings of whydidntIbecomeadentistlikeasaneperson.
December 6, 2016
Because I promised I wouldn't spam you every day with a reminder that THE COLD EYE is coming...
Instead I offer for your holiday consideration....
http://bookviewcafe.com/bookstore/book/darkly-human/
Only $2.99 - the perfect digital stocking-stuffer for the readers on your list (or yourself!)
http://bookviewcafe.com/bookstore/book/darkly-human/Only $2.99 - the perfect digital stocking-stuffer for the readers on your list (or yourself!)
December 5, 2016
Goodreads recap, 14 months later...
"I could have done without the weird almost non existent magic and went for more of a historical fiction or alternate history set in the West, which was actually what I expected when I bought this book."
It's a fantasy. Involving the devil. And they thought they were getting historical fiction? Oh, honey. I'm sorry.
There are also a number of people who read the book via Vaginal Fantasy and were "well, I liked this but I'm not sure why it's a romance." Yeah, it's not. Your book club leaders picked it anyway, and warned you ahead of time it wasn't a romance, but I get why you were confused.... (glad you enjoyed it anyway, tho)
Still, over a year later and it's got a 3.84/5 after almost 1200 ratings, so I'm thinking overall that's a win, slow pace and all.
Now to start getting stressed about THE COLD EYE's reception...
It's a fantasy. Involving the devil. And they thought they were getting historical fiction? Oh, honey. I'm sorry.
There are also a number of people who read the book via Vaginal Fantasy and were "well, I liked this but I'm not sure why it's a romance." Yeah, it's not. Your book club leaders picked it anyway, and warned you ahead of time it wasn't a romance, but I get why you were confused.... (glad you enjoyed it anyway, tho)
Still, over a year later and it's got a 3.84/5 after almost 1200 ratings, so I'm thinking overall that's a win, slow pace and all.
Now to start getting stressed about THE COLD EYE's reception...
December 1, 2016
RT gives THE COLD EYE 4 stars!
And no, it never, ever gets old, hearing nice things said about your work. :-)
[THE COLD EYE is] tale of a young traveler trying to figure out the mystery behind the suspicious deaths and magical undercurrents happening in the Territory.... When [Isobel] discovers that the force of the magic is even stronger than her own power, she is at a loss as to how to stop this untamable force. Meanwhile, Gabriel receives a post from an old friend back East who’s heard rumblings that the Congress is looking to branch out into the Territory, which would mean trouble for the boss — and everyone else. With magical and political danger around every corner, Isobel must be on her guard if she wants to save the land that she has signed her life away to protect.
The detail of the writing and steady pace of the story will keep readers intrigued with this tale of the Devil, unskilled magic and the newly formed government in Washington, DC. A great read by the talented Gilman! FOUR STARS.
- RT Reviews
so, to recap...
[THE COLD EYE is] tale of a young traveler trying to figure out the mystery behind the suspicious deaths and magical undercurrents happening in the Territory.... When [Isobel] discovers that the force of the magic is even stronger than her own power, she is at a loss as to how to stop this untamable force. Meanwhile, Gabriel receives a post from an old friend back East who’s heard rumblings that the Congress is looking to branch out into the Territory, which would mean trouble for the boss — and everyone else. With magical and political danger around every corner, Isobel must be on her guard if she wants to save the land that she has signed her life away to protect.
The detail of the writing and steady pace of the story will keep readers intrigued with this tale of the Devil, unskilled magic and the newly formed government in Washington, DC. A great read by the talented Gilman! FOUR STARS.
- RT Reviews
so, to recap...
November 30, 2016
BookQW and a Patreon update!
For all patrons on my Patreon, episode 5 of The Case of the Feckless Ferrets is now up for your reading amusement!
(and if you haven't been patronizing, now is an excellent time to jump in, since we have a stand-alone story coming next month!)
Meanwhile, this week's #bookqw, for those not on Twitter, is "nothing." As in, there's nothing to be afraid of.... except, of course, when there is.
(available now at Book View Cafe)
(and if you haven't been patronizing, now is an excellent time to jump in, since we have a stand-alone story coming next month!)
Meanwhile, this week's #bookqw, for those not on Twitter, is "nothing." As in, there's nothing to be afraid of.... except, of course, when there is.
(available now at Book View Cafe)
November 29, 2016
Giving Tuesday
This year, due to Life, I wasn't able to do the #willwritetofeedothers challenge. But I have made my #givingTuesday donation to several food banks, and encourage others to do the same, as they are able.
Teach a person to fish, etc etc, but first they have to have the fuel in their bodies so they can learn. We can make that possible.
Teach a person to fish, etc etc, but first they have to have the fuel in their bodies so they can learn. We can make that possible.
