Two bits of news and an irony (in the Alanis Morrisette I-don’t-think-that’s-what-the-word-means way)

First big news:  Check this out.

Book Three of The Expanse and the covers still rock

So once again, our eternal gratitude to Daniel Dociu.  Seriously, that guy’s great.

Second big news:  Han Solo

So far, I am only allowed to confirm that James SA Corey will be writing a Star Wars novel focusing on Han Solo and set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.  So with that in mind, I will now present the same information in two slightly different formats.

Translation One:  Ty and I will be writing a book about the coolest character during the most dynamic and transitional time in one of the (if not *the*) biggest science fiction milieus ever.

Translation Two:  Woo hoo!

And with the news of the day aside, I was thinking as I blearily brewed my morning tea that there’s an essential disconnect between the experience of writing and the experience of reading that I think may explain why comedy almost never gets literary awards.  Light, fun books are easy to read, and so they come across as easy to write.  My experience is actually just the opposite.  Dark, brooding, punishing stories are actually much easier to write than fun ones. Moving someone to tears is easier than moving them to laughter.  Inspiring disgust is a breeze.  Pleasure is tricky.

I’m very much hoping that, before I die, I can really get the hang of writing pleasurable stories. I’ think I’m doing okay so far, and I’m definitely still learning.