Hugh Howey's Blog, page 65
April 24, 2013
Science Fiction Now (Satire Edition)
The Dow plummeted today on news that a bomb had gone off at the White House. The source of the news was a Tweet on the Associated Press account. Turns out the account had been hacked.
The reason the Dow took a hit was because automated trading programs scour news feeds for the first sign of trouble. In fractions of a second, they dump stocks ahead of an anticipated decline. Basically, we have artificial intelligence managing our markets. But with low IQ and a hair trigger.
I’m sure this will end well…
April 23, 2013
Deep Blood Kettle
My latest short story is now available to be read in full on Lightspeed Magazine’s website. Written at the height of the Fiscal Cliff debacle, it applies as easily to the recent failure to pass a gun law in the United States. The story deals with the suicidal indecisiveness of party politics. It received a coveted and rare “Recommend” from Locus Online’s Lois Stilton. You can read the full story here.
The accompanying art for the piece is by the incomparable and talented Galen Dara.
April 18, 2013
Auckland Event on Monday
I have one public event in Auckland on Monday. It’s at Takapuna Library from 6:30 – 8:00. The library is at 1 The Strand, Takapauna. I’ll talk for a bit, take questions for even longer, and then sign books. Hope to see you there! Bring sheep! (But not really)
April 17, 2013
We are Legion
Meeting Hugh Howey has turned me on to the existence of another Hugh. This one is a Hugh Howie (which is the correct spelling, btw). It turns out that he receives email meant for me. You can read all about it here.
I feel bad for Hugh’s inbox and the way Google mismanages search results. From what I understand, the Howeys and Howies come from the Howe clan. (I’m remembering this from when I was very young and could be confabulating). What I heard is that Howie is the original spelling and that we had a spate of illiteracy some time ago (many would argue it persists). I grew up around people with both variants. We even intermarried a while back. I like to say our family tree is shaped more like a vine.
I keep saying my five minutes should be running out right about . . . now. Hopefully for the sake of Hugh Howey and Hugh Howie, it strikes midnight soon. They both sound terribly annoyed to have fans throwing themselves at them.
Visit HughHowie.com to give the real lad some love, won’t you? At the very least, ask him how DUST is coming along.
Meeting Hugh Howey
No, I haven’t gotten celebrity-crazy and started referring to myself in third person. Tonight, I met Hugh Howey.
It feels weird to even write that. It was even weirder to endorse a book to him and then sign my name. I found out about Hugh several months ago. I believe he messaged me on Facebook to say that he was the real Hugh Howey. He had seen my name in relation to Wool (I think) and reached out to me. I inquired about his age. He said 34. The cries of “Imposter!” began immediately.
(I’m the real Hugh Howey, as it turns out).
In the middle of signing books tonight, the above gentleman in the blue shirt introduced himself as Hugh Howey. A lot of people introduce themselves to me. Rarely do they use my name. But I knew who this was, and so I leapt out of my chair immediately to hug my nemesis (Sun Tzo recommends this).
The people waiting in line got a kick out of the exchanges that followed. A lot of picture-taking; I signed his book; I had him sign one of my books to me; we all marveled at having worn identical outfits (down to the shoes); I pointed out several times that he was the larger and more handsome of the two of us (everyone in line agreed); and I encouraged him to use my fame in whatever way it best helps him, which probably means not at all.
Hugh Howey signed my book!
This was one of the more surreal and cooler experiences I’ve had on tour. Hugh Howey, you made my day. And that’s not a phrase that gets bandied about all too often.
April 16, 2013
Book Event – Kinokuniya Bookstore
One last event here in Sydney before I’m off to Brisbane. Tonight it’ll be the Kinokuniya Bookstore, which is the largest or second largest store in Australia, depending on who you ask (there was a good-natured debate at an event last night from staff of both stores!)
The event is at 6:30. The store is right downtown on George St., I believe. If you’re in the area (and who isn’t?), come join us!
April 15, 2013
Pages and Pages in Sydney
I’ll be at Pages & Pages at 2:00 today. If you’re in Sydney (Mosman) and unfortunately unemployed, come stop by! I’m really looking forward to meeting Jon, who has been such a huge supporter of the books. I hope he’s ready for a bear hug.
Camden Library
A huge thanks to everyone who turned out tonight in Camden! That was one of the most enjoyable events I’ve had anywhere in the world. Great people, a full house, wonderful food and drinks, and quiet snorers. What more could you ask for?
A lot of pictures taken, so please share here or on Twitter or Facebook. And thanks again for spending your Monday night with me!
April 14, 2013
Sydney!
From one gorgeous Australian city to another. Touched down in Sydney today. An event tonight at the Camden Library, and then a slew of media and bookstore engagements tomorrow. On Wednesday, we hit Pages & Pages and I get to meet Jon Page (finally!). Then it’s off to Brisbane for a day before the Gold Coast SupaNova.
