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Shop at Holly Lisle’s Site
My new book of 48 flash stories; half of them are published here for the first time.At least follow the link & see the cool cover! You can read an excerpt, too.David C. Kopaska-Merkel
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- Excerpt: “Wonder City Stories”
- Read my poem “The Cost of Tears” in Torn World
- Author News: Stephanie Rose Bird
- Book Release: “Neither Here Nor There”
This opportunity is open to young poets. Good luck, folks!
Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships
Possibly Related Posts:
- Older Writers’ Grant
- Excerpt: “Wonder City Stories”
- Read my poem “The Cost of Tears” in Torn World
- Author News: Stephanie Rose Bird
- Book Release: “Neither Here Nor There”
This is a weekly opportunity to talk about books, music, and other things you enjoy.
- What are some of your favorite books?
- What are you currently reading?
- What kind of music do you like?
- What are you listening to now?
- What else is on your mind?
I’m currently listening to Fire & Stone: Pagan Rock Volume 1
I’m currently reading Spider’s Bite: An Elemental Assassin Book
I’m currently rereading Deprivers
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- Discussion: Friday Favorites 3-12-10
- Discussion: Friday Favorites 3-5-10
- Discussion: Friday Favorites 2-19-10
- Book Promotions
- Discussion: Friday Favorites 1-29-10
Joanne Merriam shares this news about an upcoming convention:
David Kopaska-Merkel and I and a few other writers including Lou Anders and Jack McDevitt are doing the U of Alabama mini-convention that David mentioned below. It’s Saturday, March 6 in Shelby Hall on the University of Alabama campus, and there’s no fee for attendance. There’ll be a Q&A on submission etiquette, a panel on character and story development, a bunch of readings, and science panels on engineering and the future, black holes, microscopic black holes and the LHC, neutrino detection at the South Pole, and robotic programming with demonstrations. Details at:http://www.facebook.com/pages/2010-A-Space-Oddity/182194367285I’ll also be selling my new chapbook Edgewise there. In the interim I’m taking pre-orders. Details at:http://www.joannemerriam.com/2010/01/31/edgewise/I hope some of you can make it!Joanne Merriam
Possibly Related Posts:
- Older Writers’ Grant
- Excerpt: “Wonder City Stories”
- Read my poem “The Cost of Tears” in Torn World
- Author News: Stephanie Rose Bird
- Book Release: “Neither Here Nor There”
I’ve decided to diversify my samples of cyberfunded creativity by presenting some art. Tod Wills is a talented illustrator who runs a variety of crowdfunded art projects. On LiveJournal you can find him as Djinni. He explains …
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- Excerpt: “Wonder City Stories”
- Read my poem “The Cost of Tears” in Torn World
- Author News: Stephanie Rose Bird
- Book Release: “Neither Here Nor There”
Another of my stories has been published on Torn World. This one features my character Fala, all grown up now. It was inspired by the events in Deirdre M. Murphy’s story, “Beads and Memories.” I got to wondering what Fala’s role in those events would be, so I wrote “The Song of the Wind, the Sigh of the Willows.” It shows a ranger’s duties in caring for the dead.
One of the cool things about a shared world is that you quickly wind up with a web of stories that leads you from one to another, and you can follow it in any direction you wish. (If you haven’t already read “Fala the Leader,” my first story about this character, you might backtrack to that.) There is time to explore favorite people, or places, or tidbits of cultural lore. Stories can be about different things with different tones. You can pick up a loose end that someone else left for you to follow, and answer the questions it raises, if they lead to interesting places. This is very satisfying if you enjoy milieu fiction, because you can wander around to your heart’s content. Want plot? We have plot-heavy stories in the works too.
Do you like this story and want to see more such? If you’re a registered Torn World member (which is free) then you can leave comments and/orKarma. If you’re a supporter then you can leave Credits. Any of this stuff can be directed at the author and/or patron of a story using Torn World’s crowdfunding features. If you’re not a Torn World member but still want to pitch in, I have a PayPal button on my profile page.
Thanks to the folks who have been leaving Karma, Credits, and comments for “Pickled” and some of my other work! I have noted that humor is popular, and will watch for more such ideas.
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- Older Writers’ Grant
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- Read my poem “The Cost of Tears” in Torn World
- Author News: Stephanie Rose Bird
- Book Release: “Neither Here Nor There”
Owlsight (Valdemar: Darian’s Tale, Book 2)
Owlsight 
Sequel to the recent Owlflight, this novel picks up the story four years later when Darian returns to k’Vala Vale. At the same time, the village of Errold’s Grove takes center stage again, having recovered from the barbarian invasion and grown prosperous again. Now Darian plans to establish a small Tayledras holding near Errold’s Grove, to facilitate trade between his adopted people and those of his homeland. Back in the village, a young Healer called Keisha struggles to master her Gift with not-quite-adequate teaching and support. Then, just to make life exciting, another group of barbarians appears to the north, moving towards Errold’s Grove and upsetting everyone — Valdemaren and Tayledras alike — who remembers the attack several years ago. But this time the circumstances are rather different…
This book continues the story of those characters we came to know and love in the last volume, while adding enough new faces to keep things interesting. In particular I enjoyed seeing the developments based on little touches from Owlflight — the way that the villagers treat Healer Keisha so much better than they did Wizard Justyn, the statue of Justyn that Darian demanded as a prerequisite for his return, and the evolution of relationships among the Tayledras as well. I also applaud the neat twist in reasoning behind the new wave of barbarians, which picks up on several loose threads from the past and also sidesteps the more obvious traps of repetition; there are a few good surprises in here. Likewise, the characterization of both individuals and cultures remains excellent and entertaining.
Owlsight holds the most appeal for Mercedes Lackey fans, and while it is a complete story in its own right, it will make more sense if you’ve read the prequel first. Anyone with an interest in birds of prey will find these books of interest. Recommended.
This review originally appeared in Eternity Online.
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The Science Fiction Foundation (SFF) will be holding the fourth annual Masterclass in SF criticism in 2010.Dates: 11th June to 13th June 2010Location: Middlesex University, London (the Hendon Campus, nearest underground, Hendon).Delegate costs will be £180 per person, excluding accommodation.Accommodation: students are asked to find their own accommodation, but helpis available from the administrator, Farah Mendlesohn.Applicants should write to Farah Mendlesohn at farah.sf@gmail.com.Applicants will be asked to provide a CV and writing sample.Completed applications must be received by 28th February 2010.Class Leaders: Istvan Csicsery-Ronay, Roz Kaveney, Justina Robson
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I write for a science fantasy shared world called Torn World. My story “Pickled,” which came out of the Torn World Muse Fusion earlier this month, has passed the canon board and is now visible. It was inspired by prompts from Haunted Blood, Jolantru, Wyld Dandelyon, and Padparadscha; it was sponsored by Ellen Million. In this story, “Sromaffo introduces a new recipe to spice up his eatery.”
Do you like this story and want to see more such? If you’re a registered Torn World member (which is free) then you can leave comments and/or Karma. If you’re a supporter then you can leave Credits. Any of this stuff can be directed at the author and/or patron of a story using Torn World’s crowdfunding features. If you’re not a Torn World member but still want to pitch in, I have a PayPal button on my LiveJournal profile page. Or you can just browse around the Torn World site and enjoy the free public fiction, poetry, and art.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Older Writers’ Grant
- Excerpt: “Wonder City Stories”
- Read my poem “The Cost of Tears” in Torn World
- Author News: Stephanie Rose Bird
- Book Release: “Neither Here Nor There”
This is a weekly opportunity to talk about books, music, and other things you enjoy.
- What are some of your favorite books?
- What are you currently reading?
- What kind of music do you like?
- What are you listening to now?
- What else is on your mind?
I’m currently listening to Gaia Circles
I’m currently reading Spider’s Bite: An Elemental Assassin Book
I’m currently rereading Divine Misdemeanors: A Novel (Meredith Gentry, Book 
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- Discussion: Friday Favorites 3-5-10
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- Discussion: Friday Favorites 1-29-10
This notice popped up recently — more reading material!
The February Issue of The Absent Willow Review is now available. Please visit us for the best in horror, fantasy, and science fiction!
PS – Thank you for making The Absent Willow Review the fastest growing online magazine in its genre!
Kindest Regards,
Rick DeCost
Publisher/Editor
The Absent Willow Reviewhttp://absentwillowreview.com
Absent Willow Publishing,LLC
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- Read my poem “The Cost of Tears” in Torn World
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- Book Release: “Neither Here Nor There”
This week I’d like to introduce you to the crowdfunded project “Fireborn.” It is funded by donations.
Fireborn by Wyld Dandelyon
Welcome to a world where humans have a variety of different shapes. Some can fly, some can breathe water, some can hang from trees by their tails alone. All are related, all are human. And some, born to each shape, can work magic, and are called fireborn. Read the rest of this entry »
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Holly Lisle’s latest newsletter post included a whole bunch of information about a new project of hers (yes, another one!), a free writing workshop. She graciously gave me permission to post the whole thing here, with all the links, so that you can pursue this if you’re interested. Oh, and she’s not kidding about that one-week revision — I’ve known writer friends to get that kind of offer too. Read the rest of this entry »
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- Older Writers’ Grant
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- Book Release: “Neither Here Nor There”
Message from the Sparrows: Engaging Consciousness
As an introduction to the Sufi belief system, Message from the Sparrows ranges from subtle to blunt, but always remains deeply insightful. This is the story of a college class on Sufism which the author taught; he uses the students’ experiences to light the way for others to follow.
Overview: Sufism upholds personal experience over book-learning and insists that practitioners question everything so they can learn to live consciously. I found many of the concepts fascinating and quite Pagan in tone, although Sufism is not technically a Pagan system. Mystic in philosophy but rigorously practical in application, it challenges many widely-held beliefs and customs. Message from the Sparrows makes a great accompaniment to other personal-engineering texts like Prometheus Rising
Features: The book contains numerous legends and teaching stories to illustrate its points, which alone are worth the cover price. There is a nice list of works cited and another of recommended reading, but I could wish for an index to all those great little stories. In general, I liked the conversational tone and the emphasis on concrete examples. Only one thing bugged me — the author’s assumption that everybody was “asleep” and nobody had done any significant work towards “awakening” before encountering Sufism. While this makes a certain amount of sense in addressing a small group of college students, it makes a lot less sense in a book aimed at the metaphysical market! However, it does make the book more approachable by novices.
Recommendations: Despite that premise, Message from the Sparrows remains an excellent book, suitable for more advanced practitioners interested in challenging reality’s little assumptions. It offers a splendid introduction to a system which often proves easier to demonstrate than to describe. Finally, folk tale fans will love it for the teaching stories alone.
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An email newsletter crossed my desk, and I’d like to share an excerpt with you.
Darkmatter Journal: Pirates and Piracy
The book, Property Outlaws: How Squatters, Pirates, and Protesters Improve the Law of Ownershipin a nutshell, argues that a degree of civil disobedience is essential to thehealth of both tangible property and intellectual property law. It explores indetail a series of
examples–everything from the history of squatting inthe American West to HIV drug activism in South Africa to mashups andgay marriage–in which such property disobedience played a crucial rolein sparking legal reform or led to needed legal clarification, with aspecial emphasis on technology, innovation, and civil rights.
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Sidhe na Daire has a good essay about promoting a book, from the launch to later support. What are some of your ideas for book promotion?
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Sadly, the Internet Review of Science Fiction has closed. This was the leading journal of speculative fiction scholarship; it will be sorely missed. Read the rest of this entry »
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Holly Lisle is designing a new TalysMana contest. This will be a competition rather than a random drawing. Holly explains,
The winner will:* Be a character in the novel TalysMana.* Have a TalysMana artifact created around his or her character.* And receive a numbered, limited-edition copy of that artifactsigned by both of us.Next Tuesday (February 16th) we’ll be sending out the rules to allTalysMana list members.
If you’re not already following this story, you can sign up here. Installments and news will be delivered to your email.
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This week’s excerpt features a tale of psychic powers, intrigue, and parenthood. Good thing that’s happening to someone else, eh? It’s wildly amusing from the safe distance of another universe.
Strange Little Band by Nancy Brauer and Vanessa Brooks
Strange Little Band is the ongoing story of Addison and Shane, two self-centered, amoral psychics who work for the cut-throat Triptych Corporation. Their insular, comfortable lives are disrupted when, due to Triptych’s machinations, they become unlikely parents. How can they raise a child when they can’t trust each other?
New installments are posted on Tuesday and Friday. Bonus stories air every other Monday or so. There’s a podcast and forums, too!
Excerpt: from chapter 1
After her week 21 appointment with Dr. Frasier, Addison headed toward the commissary. With morning sickness behind her, Addison’s appetite had returned with a vengeance. Once again her body had skipped hunger and went straight to ravenous. Little could stand between her and whatever she was craving.
Addison’s route through the sprawling complex took her past Genetics — Myers’ department. The doors to the various labs and offices were closed, as usual. Myers ran a tight ship.
The door ahead and to Addison’s left opened, and a balding, middle-aged white man in a lab coat strode through. The printout in the man’s hand had his complete attention. His unshielded thoughts washed over Addison. …don’t know how the hell he thinks we’ll resequence…
Addison’s eyes found the nameplate beside the slowly closing door: Dr. Shane Myers. On impulse she ducked inside.
Even if the freak hadn’t been sitting at his glass-topped desk, Addison would have guessed this was Myers’ office. The decor was cold, modern, and minimal. The only exception was a black leather sofa against one wall. Rumor had it that Myers was a workaholic. He may have slept on the sofa more often than a bed.
Myers himself was oblivious to her presence. Like his underling, he was too busy frowning at papers to notice a buxom woman a few feet away.
Addison fought to keep her amusement from her voice. “Dr. Myers.” Her tones were cool and polite.
Myers’ head snapped up. Surprise flitted across his clean-shaven face, then was replaced with a scowl. “What are you doing here, Harris?” he demanded.
Addison perched on the sofa arm closest to Myers, careful to stay out of reach. She leaned forward to hide her bump and display her generous cleavage. “Can’t I visit a colleague?”
Myers’ scowl didn’t waver. “No.” Nevertheless, his brown eyes briefly darted to her breasts.
Addison allowed herself a smug smile. “Shane.” She propped her elbow on one knee, resting her chin on her upturned palm. “You don’t mind if I call you Shane, do you? ‘Dr. Myers’ sounds so formal, considering that we’re practically family now.”
Silence stretched as Myers studied her. Addison studied him back. He wasn’t bad looking. Lanky, and possibly fit under his dress shirt and slacks. The fact that Addison couldn’t sense his emotions — her mental fingers slid off of his eerily slick mental shields — reminded her that the average-looking man was part alien.
Myers hadn’t ordered her out, so Addison continued. “I suppose I should start with congratulations.” She stood and drifted toward him, unbuttoning her jacket. “Or didn’t Daniel tell you that your donation worked out? One of those sperm is the little engine that could.”
For an instant confusion, curiosity, and a hint of lust radiated from Myers. Addison laughed as her jacket fell open. “Don’t flatter yourself, Myers. I don’t want to shag you.” She ran her hand over her rounded belly. “Congratulations. Twenty-one weeks and still growing strong.”
Myers gaped as his shields slipped again. Taking advantage of his distraction, Addison grabbed his hand, lifted the hem of her shirt, and pressed his palm to her bared abdomen. “For confirmation.” The man’s mute shock made the precariousness of the situation worthwhile.
Chuckling, Addison backed off, heading for the door while buttoning her jacket. She tossed over her shoulder, “If you’re going to buy those chocolate cigars, you want the ones with the blue wrappers. It’s a boy, Dad.”
Addison felt Myers’ eyes on her back she strode out of his office into the hall. Daniel will be pissed, Addison mused. She dismissed the thought with a shrug. She really didn’t care.
Her stomach, on the other hand, wondered if there was any chocolate cake in the commissary. She had a craving for it.
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This fascinating article turns up a disturbing part of history.
The Dawn of Civilization: Writing, Urban Life, and Warfare
An extraordinary ancient Syrian settlement shines a light on one of the most important moments in human history.
by Andrew Lawler
Discover Magazine
From the December 2009 issue
published online February 3, 2010http://discovermagazine.com/2009/dec/03-dawn-of-civilization-writing-urban-life-warfare
Joan Oates’s sharp blue eyes spotted something that was not right. Standing on the windy summit of a vast, human-made mound in northeastern Syria, the wiry 81- year-old archaeologist noticed an ugly scar that had been left by a backhoe on one of the smaller mounds ringing the ancient city of Nagar, where she has excavated for a quarter century. Oates had just arrived to begin her latest season at the site, and this blemish on her cherished landscape annoyed her. Two young men on her team volunteered to investigate the damage. They returned, shaken. Jumping into the trench, one of them had come face-to-face with a skull. “Everywhere we looked, there were human bones,” one recalls. “There were an enormous number of dead people.”
More than 100, it turned out, and their remains had rested there undisturbed for nearly six millennia. What Oates’s team found that hot autumn day in 2006 were the remnants of a ferocious battle or a brutal mass murder on a scale unprecedented for such an early date. And the inadvertent discovery lay within sight of what is currently our best and oldest evidence of early urban life. Digging just a few hundred yards away on the main
mound of what today is called Tell Brak, the archaeologists recently uncovered large buildings and extensive workshops from the same period-around 3800 B.C.-as well as imported material and fancy tableware.
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