Walter Jon Williams's Blog, page 224
March 26, 2010
Bouncy Castle
There's a huge wind storm going on right now. I was driving home this afternoon and saw a large object bounding down the road ahead of me. Turns out it was the roof to someone's barn or garage.
Get the Plague!
Don't say I never did anything for you! My new Night Shade collection, The Green Leopard Plague and Other Stories, is now available for pre-order at half price!
Why I Am Feeling Smug Beyond All Reason
NASA astronaut Colonel Mike Fincke, with whom I had a memorable conversation back in 2008, has invited me to witness his next shuttle launch, STS-134.
March 24, 2010
Mamet's Memo
A memo written by David Mamet has recently surfaced, one that he wrote to the writers of his TV show The Unit. Though the memo is directed specifically to television writers, it nevertheless contains advice which all writers of fiction should take to heart. . . . OUR FRIENDS. THE PENGUINS, THINK THAT WE, THEREFORE, ARE EMPLOYED TO COMMUNICATE INFORMATION — AND, SO, AT TIMES, IT SEEMS TO US.BUT
Expiration Date
Five years ago today, I was undergoing surgery for a burst appendix and a necrotic gall bladder. I've exceeded my expiration date by five years!
March 23, 2010
Glory Fadeth Not
My story "Abrizonde," from the Songs From the Dying Earth collection edited by Gardner Dozois and George RR Martin, is on the long list for a British Fantasy Award. As are two more stories from the collection, and the collection itself. Mind you, this is a long list, and it will grow shorter in time. Still, more glory for meeeeeeeeee!
March 22, 2010
Tech . . . Tech . . . Tech
(Yeah, that title dates me, doesn't it? Nothing says senile like referencing an obscure Jim Brown movie that has nothing to do with the ostensible topic. Yet here we go, maundering on . . . )I spent part of last week at the World's Best Technology expo in Arlington, TX. Each morning I woke up to the sound of screaming . . . from the roller coaster at the amusement park across the street. I
The Pleasing Day
Today had a refreshing sense of normality to it, which so many of them don't nowadays. I rose, exercised, showered, ate lunch, went shopping. Then I spent several hours spraying weed killer about the property--- I've been overrun with something called "London rocket," which is a kind of mustardlike plant with a yellow flower, not native to the area but spreading like, well, weeds. After that I
March 15, 2010
Taos Toolbox 2010
To my astonishment, there are still places available at Taos Toolbox, a master class for writers of science fiction and fantasy, June 6-10, 2010.Teaching will be Nancy Kress, Carrie Vaughn, and my ownself. My surprise, however, is your opportunity! Apply at once, so as not to miss out!
WBT 2010
I'm off to World's Best Technology Showcase 2010, in lovely Arlington, TX. My panel is 5pm on Wednesday, for anyone interested in hearing my pearls of wisdom.
